'I don't feel like the best player in the Premier League' - Chelsea star Kante plays down hype

N’Golo Kante has been earning widespread praise for his performances this season, but the Chelsea midfielder does not consider himself to be “the best player in the Premier League”.

There are many who rate the France international at such a level, so impressive has he been since arriving in English football.

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His destructive talents in the middle of the park allowed Leicester City to sweep to a remarkable title triumph in 2015-16, and he is looking to repeat that success 12 months on.

With Chelsea holding a commanding lead at the top of the table, back-to-back crowns appear to be a formality for Kante.

There is, however, little chance of the humble 25-year-old being caught up in the hype that continues to surround both his personal displays and those of the Blues as a collective.

Instead, Kante is happy to deflect attention onto others and free himself to go about his business in a typically understated fashion.

A leading contender for the PFA Player of the Year award told Telefoot: "We have to take the games one after the other. That's what everyone is thinking. We have to keep a hold on everything.

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“My current form? I am flourishing, but I don't feel like the best player in the Premier League.

“There are a lot of good players. A lot of guys would deserve that title on my team.”

Kante has made 31 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea this season, with the most recent seeing the Blues snatch a 2-1 win at Stoke City to pull 13 points clear at the Premier League summit.