"Has run every top-flight defence ragged this season" – The Sun
"Ensured touches of class" – The Telegraph
"By far and away the one bright spot" – Manchester Evening News

In what has been without doubt a disappointing season for Kevin Keegan’s Manchester City side, there has been one shining light throughout: Shaun Wright-Phillips.

His potent mix of skill, pace and passion has brought him the accolades of many in the footballing fraternity, and on Saturday he once again looked the most dangerous player on the pitch with the ball at his feet.

Newcastle’s Olivier Bernard had a torrid time trying to contain Wright-Phillips’ riotous forays down the right flank, and the numerous inviting balls he whipped into the box would surely have provided an opening in a side less wary of the potential consequences of defeat and more willing to commit men forward. 

It is little wonder he has attracted admiring glances from the most senior tiers of football management, but Kevin Keegan is all too aware of his importance to City.

"Shaun has been our best player in most games this season" said Keegan
"He is one of the first names on my team sheet, but it is not about what he has achieved - it is what he will achieve, because there is so much more in front of him."

Such sentiments bode well for the future of Wright-Phillips, who received his first call-up from England Head Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson for March's international friendly against Sweden in Gothenburg.

Injury prevented him from making an appearance that day, but given the performances he has produced to help ensure City's Premiership survival this year, Shaun Wright-Phillips will undoubtedly have a major hand in England’s future.

Lion of the Weekend - Weekly Awards

Frank Lampard 4
Paul Scholes 4

Steve Gerrard 3
Wayne Rooney 3

James Beattie 2
David Beckham 2
Jermain Defoe 2
Michael Owen 2
John Terry 2
Shaun Wright-Phillips 2

Shola Ameobi 1
Dean Ashton 1
Kieron Dyer 1
Anthony Gardner 1
Emile Heskey 1
David James 1
Glen Johnson 1
James Milner 1
Stefan Moore 1
Luke Moore 1
Kevin Nolan 1
Jermaine Pennant 1
Darius Vassell 1
Jonathan Woodgate 1


TheFA.com will announce their Lion of the Weekend every Monday. A Lion of the Season award will be announced in May based on the number of weekly nominations.