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The key players of the Premier League
NIGEL CLARKE'S club by club guide to the key men in the Barclay's Premier League
ARSENAL: Theo Walcott
Everyone expects Cesc Fabregas to run the show for the Gunners this season but Walcott could well be the man to make it all happen.He has served his apprenticeship and Arsene Wenger may well play him through the middle where his pace and finishing would give a crucial cutting edge.The time has come for him to deliver.
BIRMINGHAM CITY: Joe Hart
Birmingham City are going to face so many examinations of their defence that on-loan Hart will be the difference between survival and relegation.He is good enough to do the job but may find it a burden to take on so much responsibility. How he handles the pressure will be vital.
BLACKBURN ROVERS: Ryan Nelsen
Blackburn finished only three places above the relegation zone last year and this season will be another test for Rovers. The defence will be crucial to staying up and that is why New Zealander Nelsen will have to stand up and be counted again.
BOLTON WANDERERS: Kevin Davies
One player illustrates theBolton way of doing things andthat is skipper Davies. Hefinished with 12 goals lastseason but gave a lot moreimpressive performances as a line leader. Davies offers strength and powerup front and England manager Fabio Capello,like Bolton boss Gary Megson, is impressed
BURNLEY: Martin Paterson
Burnley play football that enchants the crowds but whether they will be allowed to at a higher level is debatable.In Paterson, they have a player who can score goals from anywhere. Burnley will need his improvisation from midfield, and the hard work he offers, as an example to his team-mates.
CHELSEA: Didier Drogba
By keeping him, the Blues have guaranteed they will have another successful season. The most difficult front man to handle in the league is settled at the Bridge now that his differences have been sorted out. He will score goals as his hunger is back
EVERTON: Phil Jagielka
Made a big difference last season and he may have to do so again, especially as Joleon Lescott remains unsettled. Can adapt to work at the back or in a holding midfield role. Will find David Moyes leaning heavily on him for influence.
FULHAM: Brede Hangeland
They did so well last season because Roy Hodgson built his team around his giant centre-half. He will again be the pillar the Cottagers attempt to build upon this season. Arsenal covet him and that is because he is such a good competitor.
WEST HAM: Carlton Cole
Gianfranco Zola worked wonders with Cole last season and has to do it again. Scored 14 goals and became a fine target man capable of playing up front on his own, winning England recognition. Has to show he has improved and matured.
HULL CITY: Michael Turner
Yet another defender who will be vital to his club. The Tigers do not score enough goals to be confident of winning regularly. Turner will be all the better for having a fine first season in the Premier League and being an inspiration at the back.
LIVERPOOL: Steven Gerrard
Even more than Fernando Torres, Gerrard is the man who ignites the Liverpool torch. He carries it with a passion that makes any absence from the line-up critical . He is the heartbeat of the team and will have to show it now Xabi Alonso has left.
MANCHESTER CITY: Gareth Barry
There is Robinho, Adebayor and Santa Cruz, but the man who has to knit all the City stars together is Barry. He will have to lead, organise, score goals and defend. The most significant, perhaps, of all Mark Hughes’s signings.
MANCHESTER UNITED: Michael Owen
It is a make-or-break season for Owen – perhaps his final chance to show he can still operate at the highest level. His pace has gone and he still gets injured too much; it is a big gamble by Sir Alex Ferguson and Owen knows he has to deliver.
STOKE CITY: Abdoulaye Faye
Rory Delap may have been the mysteryingredient last seasonteam could defendcomfortably, but it will. He will be vital to Stoke’s survival.with long throws that nobe the more reliable football of Fayethat Tony Pulis will look to this season.
PORTSMOUTH: David James
The club are in turmoil and will need the expertise of James to steady the ship. If he is out for any length of time, Pompey will hit stormy waters. He will be the last line of defence expected to set an example in difficult times.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR: Luka Modric
Harry Redknapp likes to play football, so the Croatian will be crucial in providing the passing tempo.Fears have been raised about his slight frame and this will be a big test in terms of how he uses authority in possession.
SUNDERLAND: Darren Bent
Goals win games and Steve Bruce has paid up to £16.5m for Bent to do just that. Never quite hit it off at Tottenham and will be under pressure to live up to a reputation that suggests he can come good at the right club. Needs chance to show pace.
ASTON VILLA: Ashley Young
The progress made by Young could see him emerge as the pivotal player for Villa this season. Not only can he make and take goals, but the service he will provide John Carew will be a vital supply line for the big man’s goals. Young can be the big difference for manager Martin O’Neill.
WIGAN: Lee Cattermole
A terrier in midfield and the kind of player every team would like in their side. Might find the responsibilities of winning the ball takes away from his general play, but will give 100 per cent and be vital to the cause for Roberto Martinez’s side.
WOLVES: Sylvan Ebanks-Blake
A natural goalscorer who, if he hits the target at a higher level this season, will guarantee his club’s safety. Aggressive and ambitious, he is vital to Wolves. Proved he can score in the Championship, now faces the biggest test of his life.