We are coming towards the end of another exciting Premier League campaign where Chelsea, under new boss Antonio Conte, have been excellent throughout the campaign. With four games to go, the Blues lead the way at the top of the standing, with Spurs being their nearest challengers.
Here is a look at the best performing five players from the campaign so far and what they have contributed to their team this season.
N'Golo Kante
Chelsea's N'Golo Kante is on the verge of becoming only the second player in history to win the Premier League title in consecutive seasons with two different clubs. Conte signed the Frenchman from Leicester in the summer for a reported £30 million and that has proved smart business: the former Foxes man has been excellent in midfield, covering his back three in the 3-4-3 formation that the Italian boss has adopted.
Kante is the long odds-on favourite to win the PFA Player of the Year award and that is very much deserved. If he continues to put in the performances he has for Leicester and Chelsea over the last couple of seasons, the Blues will be in the hunt for the title for many years to come.
Eden Hazard
After a quiet campaign last season, Chelsea's Eden Hazard has been back to his best again, which has signalled bad news for defences across the Premier League. His goal against Arsenal in their 3-1 win back in February sums up his season, as he went past four defenders before breaking into the box and finishing past Petr Cech in one of the goals of the year.
On his day, Hazard is right up there with the best players in the world. The Belgian clearly enjoys working under Conte as he has looked motivated to deliver. His big test is likely to come next season, when Chelsea will be back in the Champions League.
Chelsea may have to be weary of interest in Hazard in the summer from the Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid. If they manage to retain his services, they can challenge on all fronts in the 2017/18 campaign.
Alexis Sanchez
There have been few bright sparks for Arsenal this season as the Gunners look on course for their worst campaign in a long time. Despite their disappointment, Alexis Sanchez has continued to shine and produce moments of magic to save his side.
Sanchez has been tipped by Oddschecker to leave this summer, when there is likely to be a huge queue of interested parties all bidding for his signature. Chelsea are the favourites in his next club betting, while Manchester City, who are managed by his former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola, are also prominent in the market.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
There were a few raised eyebrows when Jose Mourinho signed the 35-year-old Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the summer on a free transfer. After the campaign the former PSG and Barcelona has had though, nobody can doubt that has been an excellent bit of business. Without the Swede's goals, United would be in big trouble this season.
Ibrahimovic has hit the back of the net on 28 occasions in all competitions. His performances have been that good that he is the frame for the PFA Player of the Year in what has been his debut season in the Premier League.
Mourinho will be hoping to add to his forward options next season but he will also be desperate to retain the services of the former Sweden international, whose contract is up in the summer. If they can qualify for the Champions League, that may persuade the Manchester United man to stay at the club.
Romelu Lukaku
Everton's Romelu Lukaku is on course for being the Premier League's top goalscorer this season, which is an incredible achievement. He has helped Ronald Koeman's team recover from what was a slow start to the 2016/17 campaign to being on the verge of qualification into Europe.
Lukaku has stated he is likely to leave the summer, where he could return to Chelsea, who are looking to add to their options in the final third of the pitch.
All five of the above will be contention to win the PFA Player of the Year award, which be handed on April 23rd at the Grosvenor House in London.
