Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante is developing into the Premier League player of the season, according to Garth Crooks.
Kante joined the Blues from Leicester last summer after playing a key role in the Foxes' surprise title victory.
The Frenchman's decision to turn his back on Claudio Ranieri's project was questioned in some quarters but it appears to have been vindicated with Leicester just two points off the bottom of the table and Chelsea on course to finish top of the pile.
Kante has quickly established himself as a key figure at Stamford Bridge, fulfilling a key role in Antonio Conte's preferred 3-4-3 formation.
The 25-year-old produced an impressive performance in his side's 3-1 victory over Arsenal at the weekend and Crooks is adamant Kante deserves huge praise for his displays this term.
"This 'silent force' is fast becoming my player of the season," Crooks told the BBC.
"He may not have the skill of Eden Hazard or the explosive game of Alexis Sanchez but what he does have is a winning mentality.
"The Frenchman now looks set to be the first player to win the Premier League title with two different teams in consecutive seasons. I think that in itself deserves special praise.
"They [Chelsea] had been to Anfield four days earlier and made it abundantly clear to [Jurgen] Klopp that you need more than an enchanting smile and a pressing game to win the Premier League title.
"You need an N'Golo Kante in midfield and two central defenders who can defend," he added.
Chelsea are nine points clear at the top of the table and will need to drop a significant amount of points if they are to surrender their lead during the run in.
The Blues travel to Burnley next weekend but have been warned by Michael Keane not to expect an easy game at Turf Moor.
Sean Dyche's side have the third best home record in the division and Keane is convinced the Clarets can trouble Antonio Conte's pacesetters.
