Bertrand: Why I voted for Kante for PFA Player of the Year ahead of Hazard

Nizaar Kinsella

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Bertrand: Why I voted for Kante for PFA Player of the Year ahead of Hazard image
EXCLUSIVE

Ryan Bertrand has revealed why he voted N'Golo Kante for the PFA Player of the Year ahead of the likes of Eden Hazard, stating that it is refreshing to see a more defensive player win the award. 

The left-back joined Southampton from Chelsea for £10 million back in 2015 and he is currently preparing to face Kante in Tuesday's match at Stamford Bridge. 

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The France international is the most defensive player to win the award since Bertrand's ex-team-mate John Terry, and former Blues youth thinks the anchorman more than deserves the plaudits for his season so far. 

"I voted for Kante," Bertrand told Goal at e_Champions UK's FIFA 17 tournament. "I think he is a great player. He has gone into Chelsea’s team and he’s done amazing and proved to be key to them.

"I thought Hazard would naturally grab the plaudits for scoring the goals. That’s what goals and assists do. They grab the minds of people but want Kante has done is amazing. It is great for him to get that recognition. 

"He has managed to attract people’s eyes despite playing in that defensive position this year, so I think he deserves it."

Nizaar Kinsella

Nizaar Kinsella Photo

Nizaar Kinsella is a Chelsea correspondent with experience covering international football at the World Cup and European Championships. He is a trusted voice within the Chelsea community, attending almost every game and having spent many years doing so. Coverage on Goal.com has seen him invited onto CNN, BBC Radio 5 Live, TalkSport and BeINSports to comment on the turbulent world of the Stamford Bridge club. He previously worked for the Daily Mirror and BBC Radio Manchester, as well as a period working in the UK charity sector.