Eden Hazard is without equal in the Premier League this season and the clear player of the year, according to Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.
The Belgium playmaker has sparkled at times, scoring 12 goals in 30 matches, to help Chelsea top the standings by seven points with eight games to play ahead of Sunday's clash at QPR.
"I think what he's doing, speaking in a very honest way, it shouldn't even be a debate," Mourinho said.
"If somebody throws other names on the table, it's because he wants to sell papers, wants to throw some sand into people's eyes, because this player (Hazard) is by far the best player in the Premier League all season."
Hazard joined from Lille in a £32million deal in the summer of 2012, and recently signed a new contract until 2021.
He is expected to be a key player for many years to come and could play alongside an integral member of Chelsea's last title-winning side on Sunday.
Didier Drogba, who won the title with Chelsea in 2005, 2006 and 2010, is vying with Loic Remy to start in the absence of Diego Costa, who has a hamstring injury.
Drogba is out of contract at the end of the season, but Mourinho is uncertain what the future holds for the 37-year-old Ivory Coast striker who is in his second spell at Stamford Bridge.
"We have a lot of talks to do. I don't know what he wants," Mourinho said.
"I like what he likes. There are people who, during their careers, earn the right and the power to make decisions and not wait for others to make decisions for them.
"What he did at this club for so many years puts him in a great position."
Remy has scored decisive goals in the last two games - wins at Hull and against Stoke - and, if he performs well, could keep his place even when Spain international Costa returns after an anticipated four-week absence.
"If, in the next few matches, he performs very, very well, maybe it makes the situation difficult for Diego when he comes back," Mourinho said.
Source: PA
