"I congratulate Steven, because I know this is a very important award for all the players in England," said Benitez.
"It means a lot because it's the players he faces in the Premiership every week who voted for him.
"He fully deserves it because of his performances for the club. He works very hard and everyone knows what a fantastic player he is.
"We are all very proud because to win an award like this you also need to have good team-mates. Steven's victory is not only good for him, it is good for the whole club.
"I know it will mean even more to Steven to win another trophy with his team-mates at the end of this season."