Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes that Alexis Sanchez will rival Eden Hazard for the Premier League's Player of the Year award.

Hazard has been crucial in Chelsea's fine campaign so far this season and it is likely that the Belgian's contribution will lead to the Blues claiming their first Premier League title in five years.

As a result, it has been widely tipped that Hazard will receive the Player of the Year award at the end of the season.

However, Wenger is keen to stress that even his star man Sanchez has enjoyed a magnificent season and added that the Chilean is a good contender to rival Hazard for the prestigious end-of-season honour.

"He had a big impact and let's not forget that for Hazard it is not the first season but for Alexis it is," Wenger said.

"So he will give him a fight and if Alexis doesn't make it this year, he will give him a fight as well for next season. Alexis is necessarily my choice because he is my player. I think everybody would agree that Hazard had a great season. He has found maturity that he did not have before.

"I believe his final ball is better, his personality on the pitch is stronger, the finishing aspect of his game is much better than before. He can turn games when it's 0-0 and when it's tight. That's always a sign of top quality."