Klavan crowned Estonia's best for second time
Sunday, November 23, 2014
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"It's always pleasant when your work is valued highly," said FC Augsburg and Estonia defender Ragnar Klavan after adding to his 2012 title as Estonia's player of the year.
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FC Augsburg defender Ragnar Klavan has been named Estonia's player of the year for a second time after missing out in 2013.
Chosen by representatives of the Estonian Football Association (EJL) and football journalists, Klavan first won the honour in 2012 but lost out to Konstantin Vassiljev in 2013. This time, Klavan edged out GKS Piast Gliwice midfielder Vassiljev and FC Flora Tallinn defender Karol Mets, who both earned the same number of votes.
"Team achievements are always far more important for me than individual ones, but it's always pleasant when your work is valued highly," explained Klavan, Estonia's international captain. "I'm thankful to all the coaches I've worked with, but I'd like to address the kindest words of gratitude to my family, who always support me. Thanks to them, I exist in this world."
The title of best young player went to Mets, who typically operates in midfield for Estonia. The 21-year-old won his first international cap last November but has now racked up 14 appearances for the national side.
Meanwhile, FC Levadia Tallinn's Marko Kristal lost narrowly to Jüri Saar in the voting for coach of the year, with Saar's Pärnu JK clinching their tenth title this season in Estonia's women's league.
The award for female player of the year went to Tallinna FC Flora and Estonia captain Kethy Õunpuu, while JK Sillamäe Kalev's Russian forward Evgeni Kabaev picked up the prize for player of the year in the Estonian First League, as chosen by the clubs' coaches.
