Premier League: 5 players central to their team's fortunes this season

“There is no I in Team”, “A tree does not make a forest” and other cliches emphasize the collective over the individual. In a sport like football, these statements are not always true. Teams who achieve great things do so with contributions from different players.

An example is the Spanish national team that won everything between 2008-2012. A look at the players tells the story of a squad filled with quality across the pitch. No one player was more outstanding than the other.

However, in this season's Premier League has seen the emergence of key players across various teams. These players have shown consistency and quality whenever their team has needed them.

These men perform certain roles in the team that no-one else is able to do to the same level. Be it stopping goals, organizing the backline, creating chances or scoring, these players have emerged as the central figures in their teams' season so far.

Here is a look at 5-star performers and their importance to their club sides:

#5 Aleksander Mitrovic (Fulham)

Mitrovic will be the key to Fulham's relegation

At the beginning of the season, the Cottagers were put down as a potential mid-table side. After all, their beautiful playing style had won them many admirers. The 100m spend on transfers in the summer was also another reason.

However, it has all gone pear-shaped for the team, a situation that led to the sacking of manager Slavisa Jokanovic.

While everything seems to have gone badly for Fulham, their Serbian striker has been their one bright spot. Mitrovic was majestic for the team on loan in the Championship and has continued the form in the Premier League.

This led to a permanent £22m deal for the player from Newcastle United. Playing as a lone striker under both Jokanovic and Claudio Ranieri, the Serbian international has used his abilities to great effect for the team. His brute strength, aerial prowess, hold-up play, and finishing have helped his team on many occasions.

The team is currently 18th on the table and if Fulham is to survive, Mitrovic's goals could be a big difference.

#4 Richarlison (Everton)

Richarlison has emerged as Everton's go-to guy

Everton has been one of the Premier League's yo-yo teams this season. In the last three games, the Toffees have lost 6-2 to Spurs at home, thrashed Burnley 5-1 at Turf Moor and lost to Brighton 1-0.

However, one player has been consistent despite the unpredictable nature of the team. Brought in from Watford for a potential fee of £50m (a club-record), Richarlison has been the best thing about the team this season.

He has played across the frontline this season; left wing, right wing and as a striker. In these positions, he has shown intelligence, a deftness of touch, incredible dribbling and an eye for the finish. The 21-year-old has become a full-fledged Brazilian international this season as a result of his great performances for Marco Silva's men.

His 9 goals and 1 assist in just 18 games tell the story of a man in the form of his life. With the Toffees currently sitting in 10th place and harbouring Europa League aspirations, they will need Richarlison to continue his good form till the season ends.

#3 Virgil Van Dijk (Liverpool)

Van Dijk has been a difference maker for Liverpool

The difference in Liverpool's goals against tally before and after Van Dijk arrived is truly astonishing. Before the Dutchman turned up at Anfield, the Reds were a basket case at the back, conceding all sorts of silly goals.

Jurgen Klopp identified the current Oranje captain as the man to fix his team. Despite issues with Southampton, Liverpool persisted and eventually got their man for £75m (a world record for a defender).

Unflappable, strong, brilliant in the air, aggressive and a great reader of the game, he has added steel and most importantly, organization to the Liverpool defence.

With Van Dijk orchestrating, the defence is the meanest in the league with only 8 goals conceded in 20 matches. Youngster, Joe Gomez and Dejan Lovren have improved exponentially playing alongside the Dutchman.

The backline has been the main reason why the Reds have gone ahead of Manchester City. If Liverpool is to break its Premier League hoodoo, Van Dijk's skills and leadership will be central to it.

#2 Fernandinho (Manchester City)

Fernandinho's absence has derailed Manchester City's ambitions

Manchester City have trailed off badly in the last 4 games. Two unforseen losses in their last two games have seen the Cityzens fall 10 points behind Liverpool.

Many reasons have been adduced for the sudden loss in form. However, the absence of Fernandinho has clearly been the biggest reason The Brazilian international has been the model of consistency since he joined the Cityzens for £30m in 2013.

While N'Golo Kante has ben hailed as the best defensive midfielder in the Premier League, Fernandinho has reprised the Claude Makalele role to perfection. He has shielded the backline, made last-minute interventions, started attacks and allowed the more creative players the freedom to perform.

In the 17 games he has played for City this season, the team has lost only once. In the two he has missed, Pep Guardiola's men have lost two games and conceded 5 goals.

If the Cityzens are to overhaul the Reds and retain their Premier League title, Fernandinho will be central to what is looking at the moment like Mission Impossible.

#1 Eden Hazard (Chelsea)

Hazard has been the one constant for the Blues

The jewel in Chelsea's crown and the one constant in a fluctuating team, Hazard has become the central figure in the Blues' chase for a Top 4 spot.

For a team filled with seasoned internationals including World Cup winners, the dependence on the Belgian captain has been baffling. Such is his importance that when he is on song, Sarri's men are purring and vice versa.

In a team filled with seasoned internationals, Hazard has been over and above the most important player in the side. It is almost certain that without the Belgian's captain contributions, Chelsea might not be in the current Top 4 spot it occupies.

His low centre of gravity, dribbling, technique, and finishing have been in full display this season. Playing a free role and shorn of the defensive work he was burdened by under Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho, he has been like a man reborn.

In 18 games so far, Hazard has delivered 10 goals and 9 assists. The 27-year-old has been at the heart of everything good the Blues have done; he has been the best advertisement for Sarriball so far.