The 2016 PFA Footballer of the Year Aaron Mooy shares what it means to be voted by his peers as the season’s best after a stellar 2015/16 season for club and country.
His performances saw him seal a move to Manchester City, he became one of the Socceroos most influential players and lit up the A-League week-in-week-out. When the PFA Footballer of the Year Aaron Mooy is asked how he looks back on the 2015/16 season he responds with a smile “it wasn’t perfect”.
Whilst it is said with humour it reflects the burning desire that drives Mooy. For those who work with him they see it every day on the training pitch, it is why they are not surprised of the impact he has made a Huddersfield this season on loan from City.
“I thought he was the best player in the A-League last year and I’m not surprised he’s doing well over there,” Socceroos boss Postecoglou has said of Mooy.
For others they are certain that the Socceroos midfielder is yet to reach his full potential. “For me, he can play at the top level,” said Hudderfield first team coach Andy Hughes.
“I’ve been lucky enough to work with players that have played in the Premier League and he’s got more than them — I really believe that.”
Whilst Mooy would never make such a bold public statement, what is certain is that the 2015/16 season, in which he starred for Melbourne City and the Socceroos, was a special one for him.
“It was a great year for me. Everyday I enjoyed going into training with my teammates.”
His form would see him crowned the 2016 PFA Footballer of the Year. In doing so he became just the second player in the history of the award to win it whilst playing in the A-League.
“With this award being voted by the players it makes this the best to win and it is huge honour. When you look at who is won this award it is very humbling.”
Having recently become a father for the first time, Mooy is swift to acknowledge the invaluable support he has received from his family during his career. “Through the ups and the downs my family have been there and I’m very thankful for that. When I found out about the award I thought back back to when I first started playing and all the ups and downs I have been through to get to this point and realised what a crazy journey it has been.”
Currently starring in the English Championship few would tip against Mooy winning the award again. “Hopefully I get to achieve other goals, but I will always remember winning this award and will be very proud.”
There is plenty more to come from the 2016 PFA Footballer of the Year.
Photo: Chad Gibson / Local FC.
