Manchester United legend and Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville has picked Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante as his Premier League Player of the Season ahead of the official announcement of the final shortlist by the PFA on Thursday.
The 26-year-old was a key part of Leicester City’s incredible title-winning campaign last term, and he has taken that form into this season with Chelsea after moving to Stamford Bridge for a fee of £32m last summer.
The Blues are currently seven points clear of second-placed Tottenham Hotspur at the top of the top flight standings and they look on course to reclaim the title that they lost to the Foxes in 2016.
If Antonio Conte’s men do come out on top, it will be the second successive season that Kante has lifted the famous trophy, and he has once again played a starring role.
The France international has once again shown the amazing stamina as he pops up all over the field, while he has made 67 interceptions and 43 clearances in 30 Premier League appearances this term.
With 69 successful tackles and a pass accuracy of 89% from a total of 1,821 passes, the Frenchman has shown that he is a vital part of Antonio Conte’s 3-5-2 formation in the middle of the park.
Neville told Sky Sports: “When you watch him in games he’s infectious – he’s all over the pitch.
“His impact upon the two teams – Leicester and Chelsea – he’s had over the last two seasons has been absolutely incredible.
“He’s been amazing for two seasons and he deserves it this year.”
Chelsea will look to go a step closer to winning the title when they face Manchester United and former boss Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
