Liverpool midfielder Raul Meireles has been named the PFA Fans' player of the year in his debut season in the Premiership. The 28-year-old arrived in late August from Porto in an £11.5million deal and took a while to settle after being signed by then manager Roy Hodgson.
But under new boss Kenny Dalglish the Portugal international has found his best form, opening his account in the Merseyside derby which signalled a run of five goals in six matches.
He beat off competition from the likes of Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri and Manchester United's Dimitar Berbatov to claim the season's award.
"Raul has always had the ability he has shown recently," said Dalglish. "Maybe he's settled down a little bit and is more comfortable and confident because he is playing well but there's been nothing drastic [tactically] for any of the players really.
"It is fantastic to see Raul doing so well. He has always been a talented footballer, he's always had what we are seeing now but it's been trying to get it out and it is coming out now and he's scoring goals."
