Who Are the Pivotal Players in the Premier League?

Finland’s No. 1 is amongst the most highly regarded goalkeepers in the Premiership. His loyalty to Bolton is the only reason why the big clubs have not prised him away. Jaaskelainen reminds me of Peter Schmeichel, he has the ability to make himself big to intimidate onrushing strikers. His reflexes and commanding presence in the penalty area proved to be invaluable to Bolton time and again.

Notable Mention: Kevin Davies

Chelsea
Pivotal Player: John Terry

Chelsea and England captain John Terry is the league’s top centreback. He is not the tallest defender around, but his timing and leaping ability make him a dangerous target from set pieces. Terry’s leadership and ability to galvanize his team is what makes him so special. I am not surprised he is the league’s top paid defender. I am only surprised that Frank Lampard is paid more than him!

Notable Mention: Didier Drogba

Everton
Pivotal Player: Mikel Arteta

I am not sure if I am the only one who noticed Everton usually win when Mikel Arteta plays! The fleet footed Spaniard can score cracking goals from free kicks as well as deliver quality crosses from the wings for the strikers. His excellent close control of the ball and quick feet often took him pass defenders with ease. Despite a season shortened by injuries, it is no coincidence that he suffered a cracking 85 fouls last season!

Notable Mention: Ayegbeni Yakubu

Fulham
Pivotal Player: Jimmy Bullard

When Jimmy Bullard missed the first half of the 2007/2008 season to injury, Fulham seemed in freefall to the Championship. Jimmy Bullard’s comeback provided the turning point in Fulham’s season. I would say his leadership, energy and delivery from set pieces is the sole reason why Fulham avoided the slide to relegation. Thoroughly deserved the England call-up.

Notable Mention: Antti Niemi

Liverpool
Pivotal Player: Steven Gerrard

In his first season, Fernando Torres bagged 24 goals for Liverpool. But nobody will dispute that Steven Gerrard is the heart and soul of Liverpool. Gerrard’s tireless running, superb vision on the ball and the ability to strike from distance and from set pieces made him one of the best midfielders in the world. His most important quality is his determination—this guy never gives up! One moment he runs up the field to intercept a ball, the next moment he is back in his own half making critical tackles. Even at 3-0 down to AC Milan in the 2004/05 Champions League, Gerrard never ever gives up.

Notable Mention: Fernando Torres

Manchester City
Pivotal Player: Elano

Many wondered who Elano was when Sven Goran Eriksson signed him from FC Shakhtar Donetsk. There was no such queries by the end of the first few games. Manchester City’s rise to the top of the league early last season and their collapse to 9th place near the end of the season are linked to the same reason—the form of their Brazilian playmaker.

Notable Mention: Martin Petrov

Manchester United

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