The Premier League‘s August fixtures witnessed the emergence of stellar performances and breathtaking goals, as top-flight clubs vied for early-season dominance.
Among the standout players who illuminated the pitch with their skills and contributions, James Maddison claimed the spotlight, securing the coveted EA SPORTS Player of the Month award.
In a closely contested race, Maddison's remarkable impact at Tottenham Hotspur prevailed over the blistering form of Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi, marking a significant milestone in his career and reaffirming his status as one of the league's brightest stars.
In this article, we delve into the achievements and impact of these two exceptional players, shedding light on their journey to the Player of the Month award for August.
Awoniyi's EPL remarkable run
While Maddison claimed the Player of the Month award, it's essential not to overlook the exceptional performance of Taiwo Awoniyi, who was one of the six players shortlisted for the prestigious honor.
The Nigerian striker showcased his striking prowess by scoring in each of Nottingham Forest's first three matches in August, extending his overall scoring streak to seven consecutive Premier League matches, a feat achieved by only three African players in history.
Awoniyi's consistency and clinical finishing have made him a formidable presence in the Premier League, and his contributions have been vital for Nottingham Forest as they strive to establish themselves among the top-flight clubs.
Maddison's instant impact
Maddison's transition from the blue of Leicester City to the Lilywhites of Tottenham Hotspur was seamless, and his influence on the team was immediate.
The attacking midfielder wasted no time in demonstrating his prowess in the Premier League, producing a joint-league high three goal involvements in an unbeaten start at his new club.
The arrival of Maddison at Tottenham has played a pivotal role in the team's transformation into a possession-based, attacking powerhouse.
Under his guidance, Spurs have adopted a more dynamic style of play, focusing on controlling the ball and launching incisive attacks.
Maddison's vision, creativity, and ability to unlock defenses have been at the forefront of this transformation.
The nominees and the selection process
Maddison and Awoniyi faced stiff competition from a pool of talented players shortlisted for the award.
The other contenders included West Ham's Jarod Bowen, Manchester City's Rodri, Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo, and Brighton and Hove Albion's Kaoru Mitoma.
The selection process for the EA SPORTS Player of the Month award is a combination of public votes on the EA SPORTS website and input from a panel of football experts.
How Premier League awards work
The Premier League's awards encompass various categories, each celebrating excellence in different aspects of the game. Here's a brief overview of how these awards work:
1. Premier League 2 Player: The shortlist for this award is determined by the Premier League Football Development Panel, with input from PL2 club coaches who nominate an opposing player in each of their league matches during the month. The panel then selects the winner.
2. Castrol Save: This award acknowledges outstanding goalkeeping performances with a focus on remarkable saves. The winner is chosen by a panel of experts.
3. Budweiser Goal: Celebrating the best goals scored during the month, this award's winner is selected by a panel of experts.
4. Barclays Manager: Recognizing the managerial excellence in the Premier League, this award is determined by a panel of experts.
5. EA SPORTS Player: The winner of this prestigious award is decided through a combination of public votes and input from a panel of football experts. Club captains also have a say in selecting the winner by casting their votes.
Public Vote:
The public's votes play a significant role in determining the winners of the Player, Manager, and Goal categories. Public votes represent 10% of the total votes and are combined with those of the panel and club captains.
This article was most recently revised and updated 2 months ago
