LONDON -- Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes Alexis Sanchez will not be far behind Eden Hazard for the PFA Player of the Year award.
Chelsea midfielder Hazard is the overwhelming favourite to top the vote when the result is announced at a gala dinner on Sunday evening.
Sanchez is on the six-man shortlist, along with Tottenham's Harry Kane, Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea, Chelsea striker Diego Costa and Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho.
Chile international Sanchez has scored 14 Premier League goals this season and also contributed some vital strikes in cup competitions, including a brace in last weekend's FA Cup semifinal win against Reading at Wembley.
Wenger says that Alexis deserves credit for making an instant impact in the Premier League, and that he could get even better in his second season in England.
"He should run him [Hazard] very close [this season]," Wenger said. "He has had a big impact and let's remember, it is not the first season [in England] for Eden Hazard. For Alexis Sanchez it is his first season.
"If Alexis doesn't make it this year, he will give him a fight for next season. He is my choice for Player of the Year, but only because he is my player."
The two stars will come up against each other when the two teams meet at the Emirates on Sunday.