Who is the most important player for every Premier League team…
Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling is on the verge of committing his long-term future to the Anfield club. The Reds are desperate to tie down the teenager to a new deal, in the knowledge that the youngster will be crucial to their prospects moving forward.
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Brendan Rodgers could base his team around Sterling for the next decade, and this is a scenario that will be playing out at every club in the country as the January transfer window approaches, and clubs look to protect their top stars.
So here is the question? Who is the most important player in each Premier League team? We’re not necessarily looking for the best player of each club, but the player that each side could not exist without, and a player who will continue to play a vital role over the coming years.
Here is our countdown:
Arsenal – Alexis Sanchez
The 25-year-old Chilean has made an instant impact in North London and could become one of the best players at the club in a decade.
Aston Villa – Fabian Delph
The young England midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season, and securing his future could be vital to Villa’s future.
Burnley – Danny Ings
The relegation-battlers don’t have a huge number of stand-out players, but the top prospect is surely young striker Danny Ings, who was crucial to last season’s promotion.
Chelsea – Eden Hazard
The Belgian has the ability to become one of the best players on the planet – and he’s already among the contenders. The exceptional midfielder has many years left in him.
Crystal Palace – Mile Jedinak
Not a name for the future admittedly, at 30 the Australian is in the twilight years of his career, but he has been excellent over the last 18 months.
Everton – Ross Barkley
Already one of the best young midfielders in the world and an England international who has featured at a World Cup. He will be key to Everton’s success for years to come.
Hull City – Andrew Robertson
Proved on international duty with Scotland last week why he’s a big name for the future. The left-back is young and could be an exceptional player.
Leicester City – Kasper Schmeichel
The former Manchester City goalkeeper has been key to helping Leicester reach the Premier League, and it comes as a surprise to many that a so-called ‘big’ team has not come in for him.
Liverpool – Raheem Sterling
The exception young winger burst onto the scene several years ago now, and has quickly become an integral part of Liverpool’s team, hence the interest from Real Madrid mentioned in the source above.
Manchester City – Sergio Aguero
Yaya Toure’s decline this season has not been matched by City’s other star man, as the Argentine has continued to score goals for fun, even in an under-performing side.
Manchester United – Wayne Rooney
A surprise choice perhaps, but a decade of service, an outstanding number of goals and the club captaincy has made Rooney the man club and country look to in a time of crisis. He’s not Ronaldo or Messi, but he’ll work his socks off for the cause.
Newcastle United – Ayoze Perez
The young Newcastle striker’s recent goal scoring form has elevated him to the status of ‘crucial player’ in a Newcastle squad short on big names. At 21 he could be the top striker United’s fans have been craving.
Queens Park Rangers – Steven Caulker
The young England international defender has struggled to live-up to his potential since leaving Tottenham 18 months ago, and needs to push on and help Rangers survive the drop.
Southampton – Morgan Schneiderlin
The much-admired French midfielder has been excellent this season, leading the Saints to second place in the Premier League table, despite their host of summer departures.
Stoke City – Ryan Shawcross
The long-serving but still youthful defender has been a key man for Stoke since their promotion to the Premier League, and perhaps deserved more recognition on the international stage.
Sunderland – Lee Cattermole
The Black Cats leader and inspiration in midfield, he has matured since his youthful days, which were littered with red cards.
Swansea City – Wilfried Bony
The giant Ivorian forward has been vital to the Swans continued success over the last 18 months, and has regularly scored vital goals for Gary Monk’s side.
Tottenham Hotspur – Christian Eriksen
The talented Danish midfielder has shown his quality since his arrival in the summer of 2013, particularly with the dead ball. The consistency will come in time.
West Bromwich Albion – Saido Berahino
The highly rated young striker, who remains the top scoring Englishman in the Premier League so far this season, will surely be a full England international in the near future.
West Ham United – Aaron Cresswell
West Ham have been very impressive this season, and perhaps the young left-back has been the most consistent performer, despite not grabbing the headlines.
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