The official Albion Awards announced!

The Albion Players of the Season have been revealed this evening at the Awards evening at the Amex.

Carlos Baleba has had a truly incredible campaign. Breaking into the first team after being on the fringes under Roberto De Zerbi. Naturally, it was always going to take some time for him to bed into the squad, as mentioned in our recent piece covering our Cameroonian.

2024/25 has been kind to the explosive midfielder. Becoming a pivotal part of Fabian Hürzeler’s squad, Baleba has operated primarily in midfield but has shown capabilities of covering at the back in recent games amidst injuries. His skill set has been a welcomed addition, after losing key midfielders in recent years, Baleba has brought a whole new dynamic to the eyes of Albion fans.

His ability to break into space quickly, and physically dominate almost any opponent in the Premier League is always an entertaining watch.

Not to mention some emphatic goals, with multiple nominations for goal of the season, in the process!

Rightly earning Young Player of the Season Baleba has been one of the most consistent performers throughout the course of the season. Scarcely ever dropping below a ‘7/10’, I’d struggle to think of times when he has come under scrutiny for having a bad game. To be a blend between a luxury and utility player is a rare ability in the modern era of football.

Players’ Player of the Season is one that every player likes to win. The feeling of standing out to your peers and a welcomed leadership accolade is something all players dream about. Something about that landing at the feet of Jan Paul Van Hecke is quite beautiful. Only a couple of years ago, Van Hecke was on loan and relatively unrecognised as a potential next Albion stand-out. To accompany the award with Fans’ Player of the Season truly proves testament to not only Van Hecke’s season, but his rise as a footballer.

The break-out of the Dutchman over the last two seasons has been poetic. Van Hecke has since broken into the Dutch first-team, and become one of the first names on the teamsheet, and with Lewis Dunk spending less time as the starting defender, many would associate the best-looking-Dutchman as the best defender at the football club.

One thing to say about ‘JP’ is his character; down-to-earth, unearthed leader, and all-round great person – a deserving winner.