Why Milner is the best premier league player and not Hazard

Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Garth Crooks has backed Liverpool midfielder James Milner as his early Footballer of the Year recipient ahead of Chelsea forward Eden Hazard.

Garth Crooks talked about Milner and Hazard in his team of the week column for popular English media outlet BBC.

According to the former Stoke City player, James Milner has been one of the best players in the Reds’ ascent to be a major title contender in the Premier League this season.

His position would have surprised many especially those who have installed Belgian international player Eden Hazard as the early favourites for the award.

Hazard has been in sensational form for the Blues before his season was halted by a troublesome back injury.

The 27-year-old missed the last time games for Chelsea in all competitions before making his return to the Blues team for the weekend’s 3-1 win over London rivals Crystal Palace at the Stamford Bridge on Sunday evening.

The 27-year-old was influential for the Blues against Crystal Palace as he made a telling contribution with the scoreline at 1-1.

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Hazard came on for England international midfielder Ross Barkley in the 64th minute.

He immediately won a foul before delivering the resultant freekick in the direction of Spanish striker Alvaro Morata who completed his brace on 65 minutes.

Chelsea had earlier taken a first-half lead through Morata before Andros Townsend levelled proceedings for the visitors in the 53rd minute.

Pedro Rodriguez secured the points for his side five minutes after Morata had completed his brace.