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These footballers might not be the most glamorous players, but their importance to the team cannot be underestimated. These players are a manager’s dream and they are willing to put in a shift for their club and team-mates whenever required.The most successful teams all have that one player who makes a difference every time he plays. The teams automatically perform much better with these players on the pitch, often looking more assured and confident in their displays.We take a look at 10 players who are undroppable for the popular football teams across Europe this season
#1 Barcelona - Sergio Busquets
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The all-conquering Barcelona side have an attacking trident which is the envy of the whole world. However, the player who is most vital for Barcelona’s unique system to work is Sergio Busquets.
The Spaniard often does the dirty work in the middle of the park without which Barcelona cannot play the beautiful football they are renowned for.
Busquets is known for the pivotal midfield-anchor role that he plays for both Barcelona and the Spanish national side. A hard-working player, he excels at breaking down opposition plays due to his positional sense, defensive attributes, tactical intelligence, and ability to read the game. He is the reason Barcelona can play flawless tiki-taka without moving into their defensive half.
The importance of Busquets to the team can perhaps be best summed up by Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos.
In spite of the rivalry and one incidence of a red card earned due to Busquets' play acting, this is what Sergio Ramos had to say about him: "There are a number of players I like, but the one we perhaps need is Busquets,"
#2 Real Madrid - Luka Modric
Real Madrid is a team full of superstars. The Ronaldos, Bales, Jameses and Iscos of the world will always have a place in the Real Madrid team. However, when they come across a team which has a well drilled defense, they rely on their midfield maestro Luka Modric to break down the opposition.
Xabi Alonso was an expert in providing long passes and spraying the ball around while Angel Di Maria pulled the opposition players out of position through his direct running. Modric is a player who can do both and that is why he is absolutely integral to Real Madrid’s style of play.
The Croatian's ability to tackle in defence, secure the ball and then feed the forwards is simply stunning. His remarkable calm when carrying the ball converted what for other midfielders would be uncomfortable situations into attacking scenarios.
Slaven Bili said Modri "is a player who makes others better, they all benefit from him being in the team. He's not selfish, he's playing for the team ... he's a complete player; good in defence, good in offence—it looks like he was born with the ball at his feet".
#3 Manchester United - David De Gea
Manchester United have struggled ever since Sir Alex Ferguson left the club. However, David De Gea has been consistently performing at high levels and has singlehandedly rescued points for the Red Devils on many occasions.
De Gea sometimes has put even Superman to shame with some stunning save which seem to defy time and gravity. One of the few true superstars in the Manchester United line-up, the Spaniard has already attracted the attention of Spanish superclub Real Madrid.
De Gea’s presence in the team makes a huge difference for Manchester United and he has given some of his best performances against big teams and rivals like Liverpool and Chelsea. The Spaniard’s performance against Chelsea was so good this season, that even Louis Van Gaal who is reluctant to heap individual praise said:
“I have to say he did a couple of saves! I have also said sometimes he is also there to stop shots or headers. But now he was remarkable because they were nearly goals I think. But he did fantastically”.
United will have a tough job keeping De Gea at Old Trafford next season if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.
#4 Leicester City - N\'golo Kante
Leicester City have captured everyone’s imagination with their stunning performances this season. While Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez have run away with all the plaudits, the importance of N’golo Kante’s performances in the central midfielder’s role cannot be overstated.
The French midfielder arrived from Caen last summer for a fee of £ 5.6 million and it is now looking like one of the bargain buys of this season. Kante’s positional sense and awareness of the game is second to none and he currently heads the list for the most interceptions in the Premier League.
Kante’s ability to regain possession in the centre of the park has been vital, while his willingness to storm forward with the ball at his feet has created many openings for Leicester City this season.
In a recent interview with Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sera, Ranieri praised Kante’s energy, awareness and reading of the game.
“It will not surprise me the day he crosses the ball from the flank and gets into the penalty area to head it,” the Italian said.
“He is someone who knows where the ball will go, knows where the opposition will move, knows everything first.”
Kante and co will be looking to help Leicester City achieve the impossible and win the Premier League title this season.
#5 Chelsea - Willian
Chelsea has endured a miserable season so far with the team languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table. However, Willian has been putting in consistent and effective performances week in and week out for Chelsea.
A fast, agile, hard-working, and technically gifted player, Willian is known for his quick feet, acceleration, and explosive style of play, which allows him to dribble past opponents at speed whilst keeping close control of the ball.
Primarily playing as an attacking midfielder, or on the right wing, Willian’s stamina, vision and creativity enables him to link up play and create plenty of goal scoring chances. He has also been deadly with free-kicks this season scoring and assisting plenty of goals from set-pieces.
Willian was named by UEFA as one of the top XI players of the Champions League group stage for his consistent displays in the Champions League.
#6 Arsenal - Petr Cech
Arsenal fans had demanded a quality goalkeeper from Arsene Wenger for plenty of seasons and Wenger finally fulfilled their wishes when he signed Petr Cech for a £10 million deal from rivals Chelsea.
Cech has been extremely dependable as always providing stability and assurance between the sticks. John Terry had talked about the importance of Petr Cech in June saying:
'’There's talk of Arsenal signing Cech, and, if they do get him, he will strengthen them for sure, He will save them 12 or 15 points a season”.
Cech has put up some superb displays this season with his performances against Liverpool, Stoke and Everton coming in for special praise. He recently became the goalkeeper to have the most clean sheets in the Premier League with 174 clean sheets in 358 appearances.
The Arsenal players themselves know the importance of Cech in their team. Hector Bellerin said:
'It helps that this is a solid team defensively (that) has played a lot of teams together, and that you have probably the best goalkeeper in the league playing for you.
'Not long ago he broke the record of clean sheets so you can see that when you look back that the goal is covered by a great player and that is very important for us.'
Arsenal will be hoping to draw upon the experience of Petr Cech as they chase the Premier League title this season.
#7 Bayern Munich - David Alaba
David Alaba has been in Bayern Munich since 2008 and under Pep Guardiola, he has become one of the most complete footballers in the world. Primarily a left-back, Alaba has played in a variety of positions including centre-back, midfield, and even the left wing.
Quick, strong and an eye for a wonderful pass are the qualities which have made Alaba an indispensable part of the Bayern Munich team. Alaba is also a wonderful free-kick taker having scored some stunning goals through free-kicks.
The Austrian does not have many weaknesses and it is no wonder Pep Guardiola loves working with him.
“David Alaba is our god. He has already played almost all 10 positions.
“ He is one of those players who is willing to give his everything for the team and I really admire his attitude towards the game”.
David Alaba will be the key for Bayern Munich in the latter part of the season with injuries to Boateng and Badstuber leaving the defensive line a bit vulnerable.
#8 Borussia Dortmund - Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
28 goals in 29 games for Borussia Dortmund this season, Aubameyang has been in stunning form for Dortmund. The Gabon international’s goals have finally helped Dortmund find a suitable replacement for Robert Lewandowski.
Known for possessing blistering pace, the talented forward has intelligent movement as well which enables him to get behind opposition defences. In addition to his blistering speed, Aubameyang also possesses excellent acceleration being able to reach his top speed in few strides.
Aubameyang is vital to the Borussia Dortmund style of play as he is extremely quick and pacy and provides a good outlet for counter attacks.
His team-mate Neven Subotic said: "he is one of those players with the rare natural ability of immense speed. He is very difficult to mark. I would not like to defend against him and I don't know anyone who would."
Dortmund will be hoping Aubameyang continues his goal-scoring run for the remainder of the season.
#9 Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) - Blaise Matuidi
Blaise Matuidi might not be the biggest star in the Paris Saint-Germain team with players like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Edinson Cavani and Angel Di Maria in the team, but he arguably might be the most important player in the squad.
One of the players who never gets tired, Matuidi is the ‘duracell bunny’ of the team covering almost every blade of grass in his displays for PSG. Described as a “fierce and strong tackler”, Matuidi has been very important in breaking up opponent’s moves and starting off attacks for his team.
A complete box to box midfielder who even chips in with goals at crucial times, the French midfielder is the player who keeps things ticking in the midfield. Called the “best midfielder in France” by his manager Laurent Blanc, Matuidi’s performances will be vital for PSG as they chase the elusive Champions League title.
#10 Juventus - Leonardo Bonucci
Juventus has been dominating the Italian Serie A in the past few seasons and their defensive displays have played a crucial role in their resurgence as an Italian superpower.
Usually deployed as a ball-playing centre-back at the heart of a three-man defence, Bonucci is known for his technique, passing range, and his ability to launch an attack with long passes. A tall and strong defender, with good anticipation and solid tackling, he also excels in the air, and frequently poses a threat from set pieces.
Juventus have been superb in their defensive displays this season and are currently on a run of nine consecutive clean sheets. A stalwart in the Juventus team, Bonucci’s positional sense and tactical awareness have made him one of the game’s best defenders.
