Norwich City winger Borja Sainz crowned player of the month

The Spanish winger has won the award ahead of former City defender Danny Batth, Sheffield Wednesday’s Barry Bannan and Alex Mowatt of West Brom. 

He becomes the first City player to win the gong since Gabriel Sara in August 2023 and only the second Spaniard ever to claim the award after former Derby County forward Inigo Idiakez in March 2006.

It continues a stellar period for the 23-year-old, who netted four times in three matches during an impressive month that included becoming the first player since Teemu Pukki in a 7-0 victory over Huddersfield in 2021 to net a hat-trick for City in a 3-2 win over Derby. 

“I’m so happy to win this award, but first and foremost it also comes down to my team-mates and the staff. They help me every single day, and that’s so important for me," Sainz said.

“The hat-trick against Derby was special for me, as it was my first in professional football. It helped the team win, and that is what is important for me.

“I’m working every day to improve. The head coach, players and staff have belief in me, and I will continue to give my all for this club.”

Sainz has now recorded nine goal contributions in as many matches and is flourishing under the tuition of Johannes Hoff Thorup. 

City's boss is determined to continue Sainz's improvement as he strives to turn this positive run of form into something more consistent. 

"Borja is in a good place and enjoying his football, but we know there is much hard work ahead and areas in which he can continue to improve," Thorup said. 

"We’re all delighted to see him win this award after a very good start to the season. We look forward to seeing how he can continue to help the team progress and improve over the course of the season."

Borja Sainz netted a hat-trick in Norwich City's 3-2 victory over Derby. (Image: Martyn Haworth/Focus Images Ltd) Sainz was handed the award by a judging panel that comprises former Barnsley manager Danny Wilson, Sky Sports’ EFL expert Don Goodman, and Sky Bet trader Ivor Davies.

“Borja Sainz had a terrific month for Norwich City. His standout performance was against Derby where he bagged a spectacular hat-trick," Goodman said. 

“He is the man of the moment at Carrow Road and was the central figure in a good month for the Canaries that has helped them climb to seventh in the table.”