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The new season of the Premier League kick-started last weekendThe weekends are back! And how. The top clubs in English football return, fighting it out for the biggest prize in the country and ardent football fans cannot be more excited. With some major squad overhauls and intriguing signings, it promises to be one of the most competitive seasons of the Premier League in recent memory.Defending champions Chelsea will again start as favourites for the crown while Manchester City will hope that they can run the London club closer than they did last season. Arsenal are an ever-present member of the top four and with a strong squad at their disposal, the Gunners will look to go a step above this season.Elsewhere, after managing to finish in the top four last season, anything short of a serious title challenge will be considered a failure for Manchester United and Louis van Gaal. With Liverpool and Tottenham always in the mix, it will be an exhilarating tussle between the clubs at the top in order to secure their spots for the Champions League next season.Of course, individual performances of some star names always have an eminent impact on their team's success. With this mind, let us have a look at some key players from the top six clubs in the league and highlight how decisive they can prove to be for their respective clubs come the new season.
#1 Chelsea - Eden Hazard
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With his speed and creativity, the exciting midfielder has the potential to unlock even the tightest of defences. One of the most prolific talents on show, the Belgian was instrumental in helping Chelsea win their first title in five years last season.
The 24-year old, who played in all of Chelsea's league matches last time round, scored an impressive 14 goals while also providing 9 assists. His antics in the league saw him win both the PFA as well as Chelsea's Player Of The Season award for 2014/15 and the Blues will hope he carries his good form into the new season as well.
Diego Costa's wiggling hamstring continues to be a matter of concern for Chelsea and in his absence Eden Hazard's performance will be one of absolute prominence if Jose Mourinho's men are to retain the title.
#2 Arsenal - Petr Cech
One of Arsenal's weakest link in recent seasons was the man at the other side of the goal and it seems that Arsene Wenger has finally addressed that area. By bringing long-serving Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech to the club, Wenger has pulled off one of the biggest coup of the summer window.
Wojciech Szczesny was poor during the first half of last season, which led to the Polish being replaced by David Ospina. Though the Columbian did a fine job in his place, he never looked that commanding in goal like Jens Lehmann or David Seaman once did for the Gunners. Cech will certainly offer that.
The 33-year old will bring in some vital experience and would be a great cover for the Gunner's leaky defence. After winning several major honours at Chelsea, Cech will look to extend his trophy cabinet with Wenger's men and could prove to be a crucial element in their title bid.
Cech had a nightmare debut for Arsenal last weekend being responsible for both goals in Arsenal's opening day loss to West Ham. However, fans will hope it was just a mere blip for the Czech international and his addition will only make Arsenal solid at the back over the course of the season.
#3 Manchester City - Sergio Aguero
A lacklustre title defence saw Manchester City relinquishing their crown to Chelsea last season, but that did not stop a certain Sergio 'Kun' Aguero. After scoring 25 goals last campaign, en route winning the Golden Boot, the Argentine will come into this season again as Manchester City's main man.
Aguero is in terrific form off-late, proving to be a vital cog in Argentina's road to the Copa America finals. His fitness will be absolutely paramount for City this term if they are to realize the dream of winning a third title in six years.
The 27-year old has always been devastating in front of goal and his ability to find the back of the net from absolutely nothing makes him one of the feared strikers in the world. Along with super playmaker David Silva and new recruit Raheem Sterling, Aguero will form an indispensable front-line for Manuel Pellegrini.
#4 Liverpool - Christian Benteke
Liverpool are keen to improve on their disappointing campaign last time and bringing in Christian Benteke certainly shows some intent. The price tag of £32.5 million for the Belgian, however, has received mixed reviews and the 24-year old will be keen on proving his critics wrong. Physically well-built yet genuinely quick, Benteke was excellent for Aston Villa last season.
He has the ability to cut past defences while also being prolific in the air, making him a quality all round player. The signings of Mario Balotelli and Ricky Lambert have gone horrifyingly wrong for the Reds while Daniel Sturridge's injury woes do not seem to be subside.
With this in mind, the signing of Benteke can prove to be a masterstroke from Brendan Rodgers. As Liverpool get set to play some difficult away fixtures during the early part of the season, the Belgian international will be keen to prove his mettle against the best in the country.
#5 Tottenham Hotspur - Harry Kane
What a difference a year makes. This is certainly the case for Harry Edward Kane. Following Roberto Soldado's poor run of form last season, 21-year old Kane was drafted into the senior team by Mauricio Pochettino. The forward proved to be the finding of the season, scoring a staggering 21 league goals in his first season for the club.
Not only does Kane have a keen eye for goal, he is also is a slick passer of the ball, setting up his teammates on several occasions. With all eyes set on the English international, Kane will need to replicate his form this season if he is to avoid being labelled as a 'One Season Wonder'. Kane's personal form will also largely determine if Tottenham Hotspur will be successful in bringing Champions League football back to White Hart Lane.
#6 Manchester United - Wayne Rooney
Being made captain of Manchester United probably bought the best out of Wayne Rooney last campaign. The 29-year old went on to become the top scorer for the club during Louis van Gaal’s first season in charge, scoring 12 goals in the league.
The Red Devils, however, are short of striking options this season with the club deciding against renewing Radamel Falcao's loan deal, while also allowing Robin van Persie to leave for Turkish giants Fenerbahce. In this scenario, the English international will be the lone recognized senior striker in the squad and it will be interesting to see how he links up with the newly recruited Dutch sensation Memphis Depay.
Often made to play in the midfield last season, Rooney will again be back in his favourite position this term and van Gaal will expect his talisman to notch up a gear.
