According to an interview on BBC Sport, former Chelsea player-manager Ruud Gullit says he would choose to have Eden Hazard in his team over N'Golo Kante because of the Belgian's ability to change a game.

The Dutchman was speaking about the upcoming PFA Player of the Year award, for which nominations must be submitted by Friday.

The six-man shortlist will be announced next week and while the Blues duo both make Gullit's list, the 54-year-old says Hazard should win it because he is an "exciting player".

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The Netherlands legend said: "Hazard would get my vote, because he has been extremely important for lots of Chelsea's victories.

"Kante has played a big part as well, of course, but if I was manager and had to choose one of them to be in my team, I would take Hazard.

"They are both unbelievably good at the jobs they do but I like the style of Hazard, he is an exciting player."

The Belgium international has scored 11 goals in 26 Premier League appearances this term for the runaway Premier League leaders – as well as picking up four assists – while Kante has made 63 interceptions and 67 successful tackles.

Whoever does win it will be following in the footsteps of Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez, who picked up the accolade last year after helping the Foxes win an historic Premier League title.

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