text: Mauricio Pochettino believes Harry Kane deserves to pip Eden Hazard to the player of the year award. That two forwards are the leading contenders to scoop the PFA accolade after their nominations this week. Hazard is the red hot favourite to land the prize after his excellent season with Chelsea. Harry Kane has been nominated for PFA Player of the Year after a standout season for Tottneham . Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino says Kane deserves to win the award for his impact on English football . But Pochettino says Kane, who could become the first Spurs player to score 30 goals in a season since Gary Lineker achieved the feat 27 years ago, should take the award. 'I think that Hazard is a very good player, he's fantastic, a great player. But the impact that Harry has had on English football is massive. 'Maybe the impact is bigger than Hazard and his performances. 'Everyone knew that Hazard is a brilliant player. 'But I think not too many people expected that Harry Kane would show the performances that he has this season. Kane will have to beat off competition from Eden Hazard if he is to claim individual gong . Kane's scintillating form in front of goal this season has earned him international recognition . Eden Hazard - Chelsea . Diego Costa - Chelsea . Harry Kane - Tottenham Hotspur . Alexis Sanchez - Arsenal . David de Gea - Manchester United . Philippe Coutinho - Liverpool . This is the difference I believe.' Meanwhile, Pochettino has defended the club's decision to play a one off pre-season game against the MLS All Stars in Colorado on July 29. In the past, the Argentine has spoken out against the idea of summer tours in long haul destinations. But Pochettino, who are also travelling to Malaysia and Australia for a post-season tour, said: 'It's only one game. We go there and back. 'It's nine hours. It's very important for us because it's a very important game because it's against the All-Star with the biggest stars, it's only one game, it's after three weeks training here. Kane has scored 29 goals in all competitions for Tottenham this season . 'I think it's a good possibility to go on Monday and come back after the game on Wednesday. 'We only spend three days. It's not a pre-season tour where you spend maybe 14-15 days away. 'On a pre-season, you need good pitches for training. You have a problem with traffic like happened on the last pre-season tour. It's not proper to prepare. 'It's a good possibility because it's a prestigious match. Maybe we'll play against Kaka or David Villa - a very good test for us.'
target: Harry Kane has been nominated for the PFA Player of the Year award .
  Kane will have to beat off competition from Eden Hazard to win award .
  Mauricio Pochettino says Kane deserves to win the award .
  David de Gea, Diego Costa, Philippe Coutinho and Alexis Sanchez complete six-man shortlist .