New Delhi: Premier League has witnessed some unbelievable talents over the years, who have turned out to become few of the greats of the beautiful game. The English clubs have witnessed their club heroes in the past who left their impact, playing a crucial role, be it when it comes to leadership, mentality or skillset. However, every eason, the big six produce a that one player that cannot be replaced due his importance to the team and also his contributions to the team.
Chelsea’s formadable legend, Frank Lmapard, was once truly an irreplaceable figure for the Blues, and some believe thet till date there is not a single player that would match that level of importance to Chelsea. Meanwhile, players like Sergio Aguero for Manchester City, Steven Gerrard for Liverpool and Thierry Henry for Arsenal, all have had their part in their clubs’ achievements over the years.
As the initial stages of 2024/25 season continue to produce high drama and entertainment, some players have already made their presence felt from the past few seasons, as they continue to produce top class performances this season too. Here’s a look at the “big six” and their current player that cannot be replaced due to his importance and what he brings for his team.
Manchester City- Bernardo Silva
Bernardo Silva of Manchester City celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the 2024 FA Community Shield (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
The star studded Manchester City squad has few of the best footballers in the world. It would have been easy to pick names such as Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland, due to the fact that they bring some much for the club. However, one of the most underrated contenders for the spot would certainly be the Portuguese magician Bernardo Silva. There is a massive reason that keeps him right at the top of the list as the versatile midfielder is one of the best talents to ever come out of Portugal.
At the age of 30, Silva has already established himself as an integral part of Pep Guardiola’s system. The Portuguese midfielder can show his versatility on the pitch, playing as a central midfielder, right winger and also as a right midfileder, proving his worth as a squad player. Besides, the Portuguese is one of the most technically gifted players in the world, with his fantastic first touch, silky smooth dribbling, more than decent finishing and brilliant vision and, passing.
However, what most people do not comment on is his extra ordinary work rate, and the willingness to win the ball. Silva is always amongst the ones that have covered the most ground, and he truly is one of those who likes to put up a shift and play for the badge. His abiliities on the pitch truly make him an irreplaceable figure in this Manchester City squad.
Liverpool- Virgil Van Dijk
Virgil Van Dijk proving to be a crucial figure for Liverpool (Getty images)
Liverpool have had some history when it comes to recruiting and developing players into true leaders. Virgil Van Dijk is already playing his eighth season at the Merseyeside team, where he is now regarded as a true leader for the Liverpool. The towering defender is truly a force to reckon with, as he has maintained his reputation as one of the top defenders of this decade. His consistency on the pitch makes him a crucial figure for this Liverpool side, where he has produced top class performances over the years.
Van Dijk is truly a commandable presence at the back and it is fair to say that he played a crucial role in Liverpool’s title tiumph back in the 2019/20 season. The 33 year old has everything that you need from a top class defender. His physicality and strength makes him a difficult player to beat, but his game reading and accurate tackling, further makes his opponent’s tasks difficult. The Dutch centre back was certainly a top sigining for the Reds, as currently he is not just one of the best in the league, but also a proper leader for this Liverpool side.
Arsenal- William Saliba
William Saliba of Arsenal Fc (Getty images)
Another defender making his way to this list would certainly be William Saliba for Arsenal. Words can’t describe how important the Frenchman is to the Gunners, as he has truly been a revelation for Mikal Arteta’s side ever since he made his move from Marseille. It might just be too early to predict, but Saliba has looked like the missing piece to Arsenal’s lacking defence in the past few seasons. The 23 year old is one of the best defenders in the league right now and above all he has been an instrumental figure for the Gunners.
The French defender has plenty of time to develop further, under Arteta. Saliba’s physicality and intelligence makes him a tough opponent to beat and last season he showed the fans exactly how good he is as Arsenal only conceded 29 goals all season, fewest by any club in the league thanks to the formidable duo of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes. He has a long career ahead and a lot to prove to the Arsenal fans but as of now, his current form makes him a crucial figure in the squad.
Chelsea- Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team’s third goal, his hat-trick, during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Everton (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
The Chelsea fans haven’t had a lot to celebrate or be happy about, but Cloe Palmer’s move from Manchester City is certainly looking like the best news that they have got in a while now. Palmer’s unbelieveable figures for Chelsea make him the most valuable player in the squad. The English forward had 30+ goal contributions last season, marked one of the most exciting Premier League debut seasons in a while. He has certainly looked like the Blues’ main men and this season, he has already had a bright start with 11 goal contributions already.
When we talk about an irreplaceable figure in a team, Cole Palmer has to be the one one that tops the list for Chelsea, thanks to his wonderful contributions to the team. He has already proved himself to be a crucial figure for the Blues and it already seems like a massive achievement considering the fact that the talented Englishman is just 22.
Tottenham Hotspur- Son Heung Min
Son Heung-min of Tottenham Hotspur during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Tottenham Hotspur and FC Bayern Muenchen (Photo by Ryan Crockett/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
This season has been a bit dull for Spurs’ South Korean superstar, but nobody can deny the fact that Son has been one of Tottenham’s all time best attackers. Ever since Harry Kane left for Germany, Son has been given the opportunity to take the charge and lead the attack. The 30 year old winger already has over 300 league appearances, scoring 122 league goals for the club. It is clear to see that he has been given the role of a leader and his presence in the locker room only gives confidence to the other players, as he can be trusted upfront.
The South Korean has had a slow start to the campaign if you consider the standards he has set over the years but he still is a crucial figure for the Tottenham squad. He has the experience and the skillset to get the job done, as he has in the past, which can truly prove to be a pivotal part in Tottenham’s 2024/25 season.
Manchester United- Bruno Fernandes
If we consider Manchester United’s current form and position, it seems like the players are not doing enough on the pitch. It is largely true due to the fact that Ten Hag’s men are truly finding it difficult to leave a mark, but one player that has been delivering on a consistant basis is Bruno Fernandes. He may not be having the best start to the campiagn, but he is more than capable of delivering the goods. In the past six seasons he has had with the Red Devils, Fernandes may have had patches of a few poor run of forms, but mostly he has managed to be their main man.
It is important for him to pick himself up this season and deliver the goods, as his influence can turn out to be a big positive factor for Ten Hag and Manchester United.
The big six always manage to find their go-to player, who can guide them to glory, making them an irreplaceable figure. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
