Daily Times

LONDON: The midfielder was named ahead of Chelsea team-mate Eden Hazard, as well as Romelu Lukaku, Harry Kane, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Alexis Sanchez, at Sunday’s awards ceremony which was held in London.

“It means the world to me,” Kante said. “To be chosen as the Player of the Year is a great honour.”

Earlier this week Kante, Hazard, David Luiz and Gary Cahill were named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year.

It is the second straight season the Frenchman has made that selection and having been on the shortlist to win the main award last year, Kante has gone one better this time around after an incredible first season at Stamford Bridge.

He has started all but one league game for us since joining from Leicester in the summer, instantly becoming a crucial cog in the team that is currently four points clear at the top of the table.

Kante’s amazing athleticism, timing and tenacity in the tackle, speed of thought and pace in possession make it easy to see why his fellow players have voted him the top-flight’s best.

The 26-year-old has also earned plenty of praise from his boss Antonio Conte, his Chelsea team-mates and pundits everywhere after an outstanding campaign that could, in the coming weeks, get even better.

“It’s good to still be in two competitions,” Kante added. “We are going to fight for both and give our best to win these two competitions.”