EPL: 10 players who could have an impact on the title race

The Premier League in terms of competitiveness and adrenaline is undoubtedly one of the best leagues in the world. Every club is competitive and we see upsets pretty often. What we also see is a variety of footballing styles, a variety of tactics and, of course, many different types of players.

Generally, one single player cannot win it lose it for his team. But here too there are exceptions. Last season itself we saw how Robin van Persie, Gareth Bale and Luis Suarez were almost playing like one man teams and dragging their clubs forward. So here are 10 players who I think could have a huge impact on this season’s title race:

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the site.

10. Jesus Navas (Manchester City)

Jesus Navas of Manchester City

The former Sevilla winger is refreshment to the eyes. Because, we finally get to see a proper winger who has a brilliant touch and an excellent footballing mind to complement his raw pace. He has looked good in all matches that he has played in, and one would expect him to keep up his good form throughout the season. If he manages to do that, Manchester City will be in with a very good chance this season.

9. Simon Mignolet (Liverpool)

Simon Mignolet of Liverpool

Goalkeepers are generally forgotten in such lists, but the Belgian is simply too good to be forgotten. He has saved Liverpool points with his excellent goalkeeping. In his first match, he saved a penalty to secure three points and most recently against Swansea pulled off a host of world class saves to keep his team in the game. The Kop finally have a man they can rely on.

8. Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United)

Marouane Fellaini of Manchester United

He is the only purchase Manchester United managed this summer. United’s midfield needed someone like Fellaini; someone who could team up alongside Carrick and play a destructor’s role. He is tall, strong and a factor to be considered whether he is attacking or defending. Blessed with decent pace and a good shooting foot, Fellaini could just be the man United needed.

7. Phillipe Coutinho (Liverpool)

Phillipe Coutinho of Liverpool

The Brazilian has really developed over the summer and what looked like potential earlier is translating into results now. He is quick and slippery while in possession and rides tackles with ease. He can shoot beautifully and plays like a classic number 10. He has gelled well with his teammates and could be the key to any title hopes Liverpool have this season.

6. Christian Eriksen (Tottenham)

Christian Eriksen of Tottenham

The Dutch midfielder is a proven commodity and Spurs did a very good piece of business in buying him. He is almost the perfect midfielder. He can be hard to get past and has a good set of skills complemented by a wonderful first touch and decent pace. Like all good midfielders, he has an eye for a pass and could be the key that unlocks the doors of success for AVB’s team.

5. Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool)

Daniel Sturridge of Liverpool

When he was bought during last season’s winter transfer window, many thought £12 million was a waste of money on the English striker. The way he is playing now, makes £12 million seem like a bargain. He has scored 12 goals in 10 matches for his new club and seems to be enjoying the responsibility of leading the line at Anfield. This season too he has been phenomenal. Forgive me for this faux-pas but he has shown almost a Cantona-esque quality in scoring the winning goals in 1-0 wins. He is the main reason Liverpool are sitting at the top of the table.

4. Santi Cazorla (Arsenal)

Santi Cazorla of Arsenal

The Spanish midfielder was Arsenal’s best player last season. This season too he looks to be in full flow. He has played well in all of the Gunners’ fixtures and the way he linked up with Jack Wilshere last season was a treat to the eyes. If he can perform like he did last season, we could finally see a very different Arsenal.

3. Eden Hazard (Chelsea)

Eden Hazard of Chelsea

The Belgian is simply one of the best players in the league. He has blistering pace, amazing skills, perfect touches, two shooting feet and a passing sense that few can match. If Chelsea are to achieve anything this season it would have to be on the shoulders of Hazard. The best thing about Hazard is that the bigger the occasion gets, the better he becomes.

2. Mesut Özil (Arsenal)

Mesut Ozil of Arsenal

Many say that Özil does not solve any of Arsenal’s problems. They fail to notice the kinds of problems he can cause for opponents. The man has had the highest number of assists in Europe during the last four seasons. He is the best ‘off the ball’ player in the world. This is because he always makes space for himself and undertakes brilliant runs. He can put in perfect through balls and is pretty effective over a dead ball too.

1. Robin Van Persie (Manchester United)

Robin van Persie of Manchester United

This was the man who won United the title last season. There can be no doubt about the fact that ultimately, this season too may come down to how well the Dutchman plays for United. At times, during the last season, it simply used to be van Persie battling on his own; with semi-decent service. If he can perform this season as well as he did last season, then the odds are that the Premier League trophy would once again find its way to Old Trafford.