Kante, Hazard lead 6-man shortlist

Chelsea players Eden Hazard and N’Golo Kante lead a six-man shortlist for the Professional Footballers’ Association Player (PFA) of the Year award.

Hazard and Kante have been the most influential players for Chelsea who have a seven-point lead on top of the Premier League table.

Other stars on the shortlist include Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez, Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Everton’s Romelu Lukaku and Harry Kane of Tottenham.

Having picked up the award in 2015 after helping Chelsea to the Premier League title, Hazard is favourite for the award.

Kante’s performances for Chelsea this season have also been praised by critics.

Lukaku is currently the highest goalscorer in the league with 23 goals while Ibrahimovic has 17 goals.

Sanchez has been the only bright spot for Arsenal this season with 18 goals while Kane has 19.

Kane and Lukaku are also on the shortlist for the Young Player of the Year award.

Other nominated stars include Dele Alli of Tottenham, Burnley defender Michael Keane, Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and Manchester City winger Leroy Sane.