Last year, it was Cristiano Ronaldo. With 42 goals in all competitions, and 34 in the league, CR7 was definitely The Difference. Let's take a look at 20 pivotal players, one from each of the twenty EPL teams.
Arsenal: Cesc Fabregas
Alhough The Gunners have signed 'The Next Zidane', the youthful Fabregas remains the first and foremost player on Wenger's teamsheet. If Arsenal's much-loved passing game were a symphony, Fabregas would be the orchestrator. With the departure of many experienced, big-game players, it's up to Fabregas to carry the mantle for The Gunners this season.
Aston Villa: Ashley Young
Pace, acceleration, setpieces and an ability to perplex defenders makes the former Watford player a keystone in AV's attempt to break into the Champions League. Young has developed into a fine attacking midfielder under O'Neill's guidance and isn't far away from becoming an England first-team regular.
Alhough The Gunners have signed 'The Next Zidane', the youthful Fabregas remains the first and foremost player on Wenger's teamsheet. If Arsenal's much-loved passing game were a symphony, Fabregas would be the orchestrator. With the departure of many experienced, big-game players, it's up to Fabregas to carry the mantle for The Gunners this season.
Aston Villa: Ashley Young
Pace, acceleration, setpieces and an ability to perplex defenders makes the former Watford player a keystone in AV's attempt to break into the Champions League. Young has developed into a fine attacking midfielder under O'Neill's guidance and isn't far away from becoming an England first-team regular.
Blackburn Rovers: Roque Santa Cruz
The Paraguayan international scored 19 goals last season and hopes to outdo himself this time round. The Rovers are trying hard to keep this former Bayern Munich forward from the clutches of newly appointed Citeh coach Mark Hughes.
Bolton Wanderers: Kevin Nolan
He'll have to play a Captain's Role throughout the season to keep Bolton afloat in the Premiership. Having just survived a scare last season, and with a dearth of goalscorers, the onus to score goals and lead the team rests on his shoulders.
Chelsea: Didier Drogba
His absence was partly the reason behind The Blues finishing second-best. He played well, but wasn't consistent enough. Likely to form a partnership with Anelka, Drogba's return to fitness and 06-07 form may well be enough for Chelsea to cruise to a Premiership title.
Everton: Mikel Arteta
Making only 23 appearances last season, the absence of Arteta accounts for Everton's 5th-place finish. His excellent close-control dribbling and vision makes him a crucial component of the creative force in Everton's midfield.
Fulham: Jimmy Bullard
His lack of presence throughout last season was a major factor in placing Fulham in their precarious situation, albeit his free kick and Danny Murphy's header salvaged Fulham from relegation and saved Roy Hodgson's job. With a number of new teammates, Bullard hopes to remain injury-free and catch up on lost time.
His absence was partly the reason behind The Blues finishing second-best. He played well, but wasn't consistent enough. Likely to form a partnership with Anelka, Drogba's return to fitness and 06-07 form may well be enough for Chelsea to cruise to a Premiership title.
Everton: Mikel Arteta
Making only 23 appearances last season, the absence of Arteta accounts for Everton's 5th-place finish. His excellent close-control dribbling and vision makes him a crucial component of the creative force in Everton's midfield.
Fulham: Jimmy Bullard
His lack of presence throughout last season was a major factor in placing Fulham in their precarious situation, albeit his free kick and Danny Murphy's header salvaged Fulham from relegation and saved Roy Hodgson's job. With a number of new teammates, Bullard hopes to remain injury-free and catch up on lost time.
Hull City: Geovanni
A former Benfica, Barcelona & Man City player, he is a signing which may as well provide the talent required to survive in the Premiership. A versatile attacking midfielder, with the ability to play on both wings, he'll give Phil Brown a variety of attacking options.
A former Benfica, Barcelona & Man City player, he is a signing which may as well provide the talent required to survive in the Premiership. A versatile attacking midfielder, with the ability to play on both wings, he'll give Phil Brown a variety of attacking options.
Liverpool: Steven Gerrard
Yes, it's still Steven Gerrard. Even though the 'goal-scoring machine' Torres will remain the biggest threat to opposition defenses, Gerrard plays with a passion which is seldom seen. His ability to score in big-games combined with his ingenuity in attack & defense makes him the nucleus of Liverpool.
Manchester City: Micah Richards
His rise to prominence in City's defense is reiterated by the faith Don Fabio shows in him. His physique and judgement, coupled with his pace, makes him an ideal defender for any team. An injury-free season for him is imperative if Citeh want to secure a place in Europe.
Manchester United: Cristiano Ronaldo
It just might be for only one more season, but the choice for this spot is a no-brainer. The to-be 'World Player Of the Year' award recipient is indispensable. He is and was the protagonist to United's successful story last season and the year before. The question remains, 'Can he do it again??'
Middlesbrough: Afonso Alves
With 6 goals in only 11 games, Alves showed, especially during the match against ManU, a glimpse of what he's capable of doing. Being Borough's most expensive signing, Alves hopes he can justify the price tag.
Yes, it's still Steven Gerrard. Even though the 'goal-scoring machine' Torres will remain the biggest threat to opposition defenses, Gerrard plays with a passion which is seldom seen. His ability to score in big-games combined with his ingenuity in attack & defense makes him the nucleus of Liverpool.
Manchester City: Micah Richards
His rise to prominence in City's defense is reiterated by the faith Don Fabio shows in him. His physique and judgement, coupled with his pace, makes him an ideal defender for any team. An injury-free season for him is imperative if Citeh want to secure a place in Europe.
Manchester United: Cristiano Ronaldo
It just might be for only one more season, but the choice for this spot is a no-brainer. The to-be 'World Player Of the Year' award recipient is indispensable. He is and was the protagonist to United's successful story last season and the year before. The question remains, 'Can he do it again??'
Middlesbrough: Afonso Alves
With 6 goals in only 11 games, Alves showed, especially during the match against ManU, a glimpse of what he's capable of doing. Being Borough's most expensive signing, Alves hopes he can justify the price tag.
Newcastle United: Fabricio Coloccini
The potential answer to the Magpies' defensive woes, Coloccini is an established Argentinian center-back. A partnership with Steven Taylor guarantees an increase in the number of clean-sheets compared to last season's figures.
Portsmouth: Jermaine Defoe
Tired of warming the bench during his stint at Tottenham, Defoe joined Portsmouth last season and has a golden opportunity to prove his skeptics wrong. Even though he shows an occasional selfishness in front of goal, he seems to be the perfect foil to lanky teammate Peter Crouch.
Sunderland: Steed Malbranque
The attacking midfielder/playmaker, signed from Tottenham, has the knack of doing something special. He might stay silent for a good period of the game, but it's the moment of brilliance he displays, which makes him standout as a special player on the Sunderland team.
Stoke City: Ricardo Fuller
Scoring 15 goals last season for The Potters, becoming their top scorer and guiding them into the Premiership, he'll have to play a similar role if Stoke don't want to choke.
Tottenham Hotspurs: Ledley King
This injury-prone central defender, who wears the captain's armband, must play a significant amount of games for Spurs this season. As their attack seems potent enough to score against any team, the only question remains in their defense. Will Ledley King be the answer?
The potential answer to the Magpies' defensive woes, Coloccini is an established Argentinian center-back. A partnership with Steven Taylor guarantees an increase in the number of clean-sheets compared to last season's figures.
Portsmouth: Jermaine Defoe
Tired of warming the bench during his stint at Tottenham, Defoe joined Portsmouth last season and has a golden opportunity to prove his skeptics wrong. Even though he shows an occasional selfishness in front of goal, he seems to be the perfect foil to lanky teammate Peter Crouch.
Sunderland: Steed Malbranque
The attacking midfielder/playmaker, signed from Tottenham, has the knack of doing something special. He might stay silent for a good period of the game, but it's the moment of brilliance he displays, which makes him standout as a special player on the Sunderland team.
Stoke City: Ricardo Fuller
Scoring 15 goals last season for The Potters, becoming their top scorer and guiding them into the Premiership, he'll have to play a similar role if Stoke don't want to choke.
Tottenham Hotspurs: Ledley King
This injury-prone central defender, who wears the captain's armband, must play a significant amount of games for Spurs this season. As their attack seems potent enough to score against any team, the only question remains in their defense. Will Ledley King be the answer?
West Bromwich Albion: Scott Carson
The shot stopper is an England international and Tony Mowbray has secured his services at a cut price deal. He has to perform to his potential, if he wants to get picked for the national squad again.
West Ham United: Dean Ashton
A one time England International, he had his career derailed by injuries. A very astute finisher, he has it in him to regain his place in the England set-up, provided he remains injury free and has a sparkling season.
The shot stopper is an England international and Tony Mowbray has secured his services at a cut price deal. He has to perform to his potential, if he wants to get picked for the national squad again.
West Ham United: Dean Ashton
A one time England International, he had his career derailed by injuries. A very astute finisher, he has it in him to regain his place in the England set-up, provided he remains injury free and has a sparkling season.
Wigan Athletic: Antonio Valencia
This Ecuadorean right-winger has got pace and an ability to go past defenders. Possessing an eye-for-goal and a commendable work-rate, he'll get opportunities, but to prove his worth, he'll have to take them.
This Ecuadorean right-winger has got pace and an ability to go past defenders. Possessing an eye-for-goal and a commendable work-rate, he'll get opportunities, but to prove his worth, he'll have to take them.
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