Liverpool forward Raheem Sterling has won the prestigious European Golden Boy award for 2014.
The award is given to the best young player in world under the age of 21 and is voted for by a number of top football publications.
Sterling emerged victorious from a 40-man shortlist, featuring Liverpool teammate Lazar Markovic and Manchester United’s Luke Shaw.
Sterling’s was a central figure in taking Liverpool to second in the Premier League, while he was selected for the senior England squad at the Brazil World Cup.
"It's a great achievement to win such an award," Sterling told Liverpoolfc.com. "It's a really happy feeling for me and my family, of course.
"Something I've always wanted to do is to work hard playing football and try to be recognised. I'm really grateful that people have shown me this recognition.
"It's down to hard work. I'm really happy that people are recognising that I'm trying to work hard and do my best for this football club. I'm really grateful for this award."
Sterling is the second Englishman to win the award after Wayne Rooney in 2004, while Premier League star Sergio Aguero and Liverpool teammate Mario Balotelli have also won.
"There's always room for improvement. At this moment in time, I should have a few more goals, but I've not taken some of my chances. But I'm young and learning all the time," Sterling added.
"This award just shows that hard work gets you where you want to be, and that I'm on the right track for where I want to be in my career. Hopefully I can just keep working hard and try to take my game to the next level."
