EPL: 11 Players To Impact the League This Season

Amongst the very best players in the world their are those whose ability is not so recognized. They seem to gather behind players with more ability and skill, these players are those who have more impact on a teams performance rather than their own individual outcomes.

Average players who tend to give so much towards a team, in this list i have mentioned just a few of those amongst a long list.

When I describe a player as an "average player" in no way am I disregarding their ability, technique or even past experience.

They are just those players who fail to achieve greatness or still haven't reached that level as yet.

A player that comes to mind instantly is Park Ji-Sung from Manchester United, nothing special about him, just the fact that he will work his socks off, every match, do the job his told to do, chase the ball, win possession and score if he has the opportunity to do so. Very effective player yet not anywhere near the class of many others. 

Players with these qualities could develop into outstanding players if they have the right management, training and most importantly for these players is opportunity.

Both opportunity with the squad and opportunity on a bigger stage, both play a huge role in player development.

So here's just a basic list of 11 players who could threaten many teams, just with their passion, desire and willingness if that's all they had.

My selection of 11 would be coached by Roy Hodgson, who I feel is the best man for the job. Not any job, just this one...haha no disrespect, his proven his experience with smaller teams that he can produce results, unfortunate was his time at Liverpool with huge expectations and demands from players, fans and management.

GK: Ali Al-Habsi (Wigan)

Name: Ali Abdullah Harib Al-Habsi

Club: Wigan Athletic

Position: Goalkeeper

Games Played: 34 

Having made his move from Bolton to Wigan permanent, Al-Habsi will look to continue his impressive work at Wigan, creating a foundation for his place in the starting eleven.

Since joining Wigan on loan last year, he has made massive strides and been awarded Wigan Player of the Season (2010/2011).

If Wigan look to stay in top flight football, Al-Habsi will have to be amongst the ones to keep them there.

RB: Marin Kelly (Liverpool)

Name: Martin Kelly

Club: Liverpool

Position: Right Back - Center Back

Games Played: 12 

Many might disagree with him been on this list, but as a youngster I think he has a great future ahead of him.  

Martin grew as the season went since his senior team debut during a Europa League match. Kenny Dalglish gave him the opportunity, and he relished it with brilliant performances on the pitch.

While he is still in the pecking order in terms of England's next right back, he seems to have the right attitude and enough ability to reach those goals within the next couple seasons.

In terms of the upcoming season, if Kelly is given more time on the pitch, he could be effective in helping Liverpool move forward both on the pitch and on the log.

LB: Benoit Assou Ekotto (Tottenham Hotspurs)

Name: Benoît Pierre David Assou-Ekotto

Club: Tottenham Hotspurs

Position: Left Back

Games Played: 106 

Assou-Ekotto has become a permanent fixture in the Spurs lineup, having played in most of the matches last season. 

With Spurs looking to bounce back and fight for a top-four finish in what will be a tough battle, the Cameroonian will have to be at his best.

Playing alongside Gareth Bale his job could be more difficult, feeding the winger and ensuring there's enough cover on the wing, although we know Bale is quite capable of doing that himself.

With huge expectations and demands, playing on a team with top class players could be one of the most difficult things.

Thus far he has done well, but the next season will be vital as Spurs can't afford too many slip-ups. So while Spurs look strong going forward, it will be up to the defense to secure strong performances.

CD: John O'Shea (Sunderland)

Name: John Francis O'Shea

Club: Sunderland

Position: Defenders (RB/LB/CD) Actually anywhere on the pitch...

Games Played: 0 (256 Appearances for Manchester United)

In my personal opinion he is the best "average" player ever and one of the most versatile players, which could be the reason he failed to cement a spot in the United starting 11.

Yet he gave his all every single time he played. O'Shea is a very determined and hard worker.

He could be huge for Sunderland—a great leader who could help Steve Bruce push the team further. Another excellent player in set pieces.

CD: John Heitinga (Everton)

Name: John Gijsbert Alan Heitinga

Club: Everton

Position: Defender

Games Played: 57 

Since Heitinga was part of the Ajax youth system, you already know he has ability, later moving to Atletico Madrid and then joining Everton for just over £6 million.

Heitinga is a feisty player who, like many of the others on this list, works hard thoughout the match, ensuring he gives his best.

With Everton now a top table side, he will have to continue his excellent effort and be vital to them remaining in the top 10.

CM/CM: Lucas Lieva (Liverpool)

Name: Lucas Pazzini Leiva

Club: Liverpool

Position: Midfield

Games Played: 111

Once laughed at as one of the worst signings to the Premier League, having joined from Gremio. Lucas has evolved into a good enough player, having appeared over 100 times now for the Reds.

His energy, work ethic and constant desire to chase the ball makes him very important in any team, a reason why he starts most games for Brazil.

With Liverpool buying a few midfielders, many would wonder how much opportunity he would get. It would be a disservice to him if Dalglish looks to give him less time on the pitch.

RW: Jermaine Pennant (Stoke City)

Name: Jermaine Lloyd Pennant

Club: Stoke City

Position: Left Winger

Games Played: 29

Former Liverpool player Pennant's return to England after a spell in Spain has been good for the midfielder. He has become one of the key members of the Stoke squad.

Tony Pulis will once again look to him for more creativity along the wing, also as a provider for the front men.

LW: Steven Pienaar (Tottenham Hotspurs)

Name: Steven Jerome Pienaar

Club: Tottenham Hotspurs

Position: Midfield

Games Played: 8

The South African made a name for himself while at Everton. Now having moved to Spurs, it will be more difficult for him, as he will need to work twice as hard.

Fighting for a spot on the wing with Gareth Bale can't be easy, but when given the opportunity, he will have to make the best of it.

Pienaar is a player with ability, skill and has a good work rate. Again, I stress opportunity will be key to whether he will make any progress this season. 

He has the ability to push the team, something that Harry Redknapp will require at some stage during the next season.

CM/AM: David Dunn (Blackburn Rovers)

Name: David John Ian Dunn

Club: Blackburn Rovers

Position: Attacking Midfield

Games Played: 107 

In his second spell at Rovers, Dunn is exactly what I mean by average players providing massive impact.

With the new season starting in less than a month, Dunn will look to be as important as ever as Blackburn require more from their players after disappointing last season.

Dunn has good technical ability.

CF: Stephen Ireland (Aston Villa)

Name: Stephen James Ireland

Club: Aston Villa

Position: Attacking Midfielder/ Forward

Games Played: 10

Having been key to Manchester City playing over 130 games, he was sold off to Villa as City looked to bring in big names.

In my opinion he was greatly disrespected—he has excellent vision and talent yet seems to have fallen aside somewhat in recent seasons.

Still only 24 been on the block for so long, Ireland has time on his hands. All he requires is consistent time on the pitch.

With the sales of Ashley Young to Manchester United and Stewart Downing to Liverpool, Ireland has the perfect opportunity to bring his game to the party.

ST: Kevin Davies (Bolton)

Name: Kevin Cyril Davies

Club: Bolton Wanderers

Position: Striker

Games Played: 285

Now aged 34, Davies seems to be getting towards the end of his career, having recently made his Senior team debut for England.

Another key player for his club, Davies is a fighter, a player with total desire and passion—one who will give 100 percent.

Known for his physicality, but also known to be one who has committed more fouls than anyone else in the Premier League. With that though, he is also one of the most fouled.

You can hit me with a tweet @Zaakirinho