Top candidates for the PFA Player of the Year award

Harry Kane has been a revelation this season

Players from Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur lead the race for this year's prestigious award.

The PFA Player of the Year honourees is an incredible list and one that contains some of the world's leading footballing talent. From Gary Lineker, Kenny Dalglish and John Barnes up to modern greats like Steven Gerrard, Thierry Henry and Cristiano Ronaldo, footballers in England describe it as the most important individual award.

But with the shortlist to be announced next month, who will win the 2014-15 edition? We take a look at the five leading candidates.

Harry Kane

The 21-year-old began the season as Spurs' third-choice striker but a series of impressive performances in Europe pushed him into Mauricio Pochettino's starting line-up. He has since taken his tally to 26 goals for the season in all competitions in a remarkable rise of one of England's most exciting talents.

Tipped for a call up to Roy Hodgson's senior squad this month, Kane has arguably had a bigger impact on his team's fortunes than any other player this season and may yet lead Spurs to a top-four finish.

The centre-forward has proved himself to be a centre-forward who has few weaknesses in his game, with excellent movement and a keen eye for goal. These skills are made even more special by his ability to step up in big games, as shown in his brace during the 5-3 win over Chelsea on New Year's Day.

Alexis Sanchez

The Arsenal forward arrived in the Premier League last summer with big expectations after commanding a 35million fee from Barcelona. And he has not disappointed.

While many foreign - particularly South American - players take up to a full season to adapt to English football, the Chilean has adapted quickly and is currently the fifth-highest scorer in the Premier League with 13 goals. Not bad for a debut season.

The 26-year-old is clearly Arsenal's best player and is considered by many as one of the top five players in the world. His impact in north London cannot be overstated with his skill, movement, energy and goals driving the team forward throughout the campaign, leaving the Gunners on course to finish in the top four.

Diego Costa

While having Nemanja Matic for a full season and Cesc Fabregas' creative spark in midfield have helped Chelsea's title charge, the goals scored by Diego Costa are likely to win them the Premier League title this season.

The 26-year-old Spain forward is the Premier League's joint-top scorer with 17 goals in an impressive debut campaign. His physical presence up front is a constant problem for defences and makes him an ideal fit for the English top-flight, where he has thrived since arriving from Atletico Madrid.

On-the-field antics, most notably an alleged stamp on Emre Can in a Capital One Cup clash last month, make Costa the Premier League's new pantomime villain but this should not harm his chances of winning the award. You only have to look to last year's winner, Luis Suarez, to know that.

Sergio Aguero

Joint-top scorer with Costa on 17 goals, the Manchester City talisman is the main reason Manuel Pellegrini's side have stayed in the title race so long. His standout performances, despite a series of injury setbacks, mean the club are just five points behind Chelsea at the top of the table.

Seen as probably the best out-and-out striker in the world, Aguero is a phenomenal finisher with pace, power, natural instincts and razor blade sharpness. His low centre of gravity makes him a nightmare for defenders, although a dip in form has seen the Argentine score just three in his last 10 league games.

Eden Hazard

Seen by many as the favourite to win the award, last year's Young Player of the Year has been instrumental in Chelsea's success this season. Playing in an advanced role down the left, the Belgian 24-year-old has provided 10 league goals and six assists already this season.

Having impressed for the second season in a row, Hazard is finally realising his potential at Stamford Bridge and Jose Mourinho recently backed him to become the world's best player.