Hazard is the Player of the Year, Terry is in the top three and De Gea is Manchester United's best player, says Paul Scholes

Manchester United legend and The Independent columnist ranked his players of the season

(Getty Images)

Former Manchester United player Paul Scholes believes that Eden Hazard is the deserved Premier League Player of the Year for this season.

Scholes, writing in his column for The Independent, says that the Belgian has been the best this season and the difference maker in the biggest games.

"Hazard is a superb player, and one who does not go missing in big Premier League games," he writes. "When Jose Mourinho has the opposition locked down it is to Hazard whom Chelsea look to get the assist or the goal which will win them the game."

Hazard is also the bookies' favourite for the award after scoring 13 goals and adding eight assists for the Champions-elect.

However, Scholes believes that Hazard's team-mate and Chelsea captain John Terry has been unfairly snubbed after being left out of the six-man shortlist - the United legend believes the former England skipper even deserves a place in the top three.

"Terry has been the key figure in the team that will win the title this year; a key figure because Chelsea are essentially a defensive team," adds Scholes.

"Their 34-year-old captain is their main man in that regard, he plays in every game and he is deserving of a place on the shortlist of the PFA Player of the Year award, although he would not be my choice to win it on Sunday night."

Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea is No 4 on Scholes' list (GETTY IMAGES)

Wedged in between the two Chelsea players is Tottenham striker Harry Kane, who is the joint-top scorer in the Premier League this season with 20 goals and 30 in all competitions.

David De Gea is the only Manchester United man on the list, the Spaniard has been the form goalkeeper in the division. Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho is fifth on the list, ahead of Premier League newcomers Alexis Sanchez and a third Chelsea player, striker Diego Costa.