Lingard wins April 2021 EA SPORTS Player of the Month award

Jesse Lingard has been rewarded for his superb form for West Ham United in April with the EA SPORTS Player of the Month award.

The winger, who arrived on loan from Manchester United in January, has won the prize at the third attempt after also being short-listed in February and March.

"I've been nominated for the past two months and even getting nominated is a great feeling for me," Lingard said.

"I want to be up there as the best I can be and the best in the world.

"[David Moyes] has shown faith and given me the freedom in each game to go and perform."

Lingard scored four goals and claimed an assist in April, starting with a superb solo strike at Wolverhampton Wanderers before he teed up Jarrod Bowen's effort in the 3-2 win.

He then scored twice in a 3-2 victory over Leicester City, and was on target again in a loss by the same scoreline at Newcastle United.

The 28-year-old wins the honour for the first time and is the first West Ham player to claim the accolade since Michail Antonio in July 2020.

Lingard topped an eight-man shortlist that also included Trent Alexander-Arnold, Stuart Dallas, Mason Greenwood, Kelechi Iheanacho, Matheus Pereira, Allan Saint-Maximin and Chris Wood.

2020/21 EA SPORTS award winners

September: Dominic Calvert-Lewin (EVE)
October: Son Heung-min (TOT)
November: Bruno Fernandes (MUN)
December: Bruno Fernandes (MUN)
January: Ilkay Gundogan (MCI)
February: Ilkay Gundogan (MCI)
March: Kelechi Iheanacho (LEI)
April: Jesse Lingard (WHU)

Also in this series

Part 2: Bruce claims April's Barclays Manager of the Month award
Part 3: Lingard completes double with Budweiser Goal of the Month