If you could take away one key player from each of the top 6 in the Premier League, which team would suffer the most and why?

Saket Sourav

United till I die

4w ago

Okay. So let us get to the point straightaway.

I will start alphabetically,

Arsenal: The player that I am going to take away might leave in the summer. It's Mesut Ozil. And if Arsene Wenger doesn't find a suitable replacement soon, Arsenal will suffer and find it very tough to break into the top 4. When you play like the way they do, you need someone with an eye for a killer pass that Ozil has.

Chelsea: For the blues, I would take a player who is Central to what Conte makes his team do. I think taking away N'Golo Kante would hurt Chelsea the worst. This guy has an unbelievable work rate and is great on every part of the pitch. With the two wing backs in play, Kante is indispensable for Chelsea to win in most scenarios.

Liverpool: I agree with most people here. Taking away Mo Salah would hurt Liverpool. He is the backbone of their high pressing, fluid passing, devastating counter attacking play. And he has got killer instincts. Liverpool would have scored about 10–15 less goals if it wasn't for his individual brilliance.

Manchester City: A lot of people have gone for KDB but I feel differently. Yes, he has got the skills and the numbers but his absence won't pinch city the most. I thought about Fernandinho as well but I'll go with Ederson. That guy is fantastic. It's not so much as his reflexes but his passes that have become indispensable for City. He gives them the ability to play out from the back which neither Hart nor Bravo did. He sweeps in a Neuer-ish way and is extremely confident on the ball. Just look at Bravo in the Wigan game and you'll know. They would suffer without Ederson.

Manchester United: Like their noisy neighbours, United would be in a whole lot of trouble without David De Gea. This guy is the best in the world and there is no top 4 for United without him. Period.

Tottenham: Which Kane churs out the goals and is the most complete striker in Premier League, it is the big games which determine a side's fate. If Tottenham part with Mousa Dembele, they would be in real trouble. The way this guy bossed Pogba at Wembly is a statement in itself. Even in the Champions League, his contributions have been invaluable for Spurs.

Out of all these omissions, undoubtedly United will suffer the world without their back to back player of the season. They would lose 4–5 extra matches in the season and would be nowhere close to the league or the cup.

Abhilash Kashyap

works at Manhattan Associates

4w ago

Let’s look at the top 6 sides. These are not just clubs who produce “One Season Wonders’. These are some serious footballing clubs who have threatened the big whales such as Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris Saint Germain with their dominant football. It wouldn’t be wrong if we attribute the success of these clubs to their star players.

So, Let’s look at each of the clubs and their key players for this season.

1.Manchester City:

Ever since the start of the season, City have produced totally dominating football and they have never looked back. With a 16 point lead, they are an inch away from clinching the league title.

Although the club has had some expensive signings and a lot of key play makers in last couple of seasons, you can zero in on Sergio Agüero and Kevin De Bruyne to be the ones who hold the key to City’s success. So, it would not be rude to say City are too reliant on these two men.

Other Strengths: Silva, Sterling, Gabriel Jesus

Without De Bruyne and Sergio Agüero: Although there is a lot of dependency on these key players, City have still managed to pull off significant performances. So, It’s fair to say they are well covered even in the absence of these two lads.

2. Manchester United:

Man United have been that club who have been giving out the most consistent performance in the defense division. All because of their Super Spaniard David de Gea, who holds the most clean sheets in the league. True, that there have been notable performances from their stalwarts such as Lukaku, Pogba and also lot of anticipations on the newly arrived Chilean,Alexis Sánchez. But, It is the 27 year old Goal Keeper who is truly the Star performer for the Red Devils.

Other Strengths: Lukaku, Pogba, Sánchez & Valencia.

Without de Gea: Life would be hard for Mourinho’s men to even imagine a line up without him. His contribution between the posts has been immense and he has single-handedly won games for the team. Especially the away game against the Gunners where he produced record 14 saves, equaling the record for most number of saves in a Premier League game.

3. Liverpool:

It’s not easy to keep the momentum going on in the season after you lose one of your key players in the January Transfer window. But, The Reds have shown their desire in every fixture they have played. Just look at the two immediate fixtures they played after the departure of Coutinho. They not only won the Merseyside Derby but also thrashed City at home in what is considered as the Fixture of the Season.

Of course, all this was possible due to their gaffer Klopp’s immense passion off the field and the hunger of the Egyptian Mohammed Salah on the field. Salah has been termed as the signing of the season by many pundits as such has been his performance. He’s going strong with 22 goals neck to neck with Harry Kane. He has clearly been Klopp’s go to man. Well, the picture says it all. Doesn’t it? :)

Other Strengths: Firmino, Mané.

Without Salah: Liverpool have always relied too much on their attacking forces and have been very sloppy in defense. So, their blind faith is on Salah and co to fetch the three points. At the time, they look toothless without Salah.

4. Chelsea:

For a club to have won the league in the previous season, Chelsea didn’t have quite the start they wanted but have produced good football and have kept United and Liverpool under pressure in the race for the second spot (Because let’s face it, The league is pretty much done and dusted). But when it comes to attributing the team’s success to a marquee player, one doesn’t have to spare a lot of thoughts. The Belgian Winger Eden Hazard has been the top scorer and the game changer for the squad and Chelsea surely have suffered quite a blow in his absence.

Other Strengths: Willian, Alonso, Pedro.

Without Hazard: The Belgian Winger is quite the play-maker and without him Chelsea would lack the pace and aggression he provides. His pace combined with Willian and Pedro’s gives Chelsea greater advantage in Counter Attacks.

5. Tottenham Hotspur:

Spurs have finally managed to come out of the shadows of the League giants and have been regularly posing threats with their aggressive style of football. With the likes of Eriksen, Ali, Son and Kane they have managed to beat Real Madrid and also showed immense character in the comeback against Juventus in the Champions League. The England International Harry Kane has scored more goals than Ronaldo & Messi. He has fetched the results for Spurs and has been one of the most reliable goal scorers in the league.

Other Strengths: Alli, Eriksen, Son.

Without Kane: The prolific goal scorer that Kane has become in the recent times, Spurs have been extremely reliant on him. The number 9 position looks extremely ridiculous in the absence of Kane in spite of their strong midfield.

6. Arsenal:

Gunners have had a roller coaster ride this season. After the recent signings of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang along with Alexander Lacazette, they look intimidatingly stronger. But just like any other good thing that’s made in German, their football this season has been made by their German play maker Mesut Özil. His skill set in creating chances and producing timely passes or long balls is world class. The very much underrated midfielder has been the Captain of the ship for Gunners.

Other Strengths: Mkhitaryan, Lacazette, Aubameyang.

Without Özil: Life without Özil is hard for Arsène Wenger. Although Arsenal have looked relatively dull even in the presence of Özil, The Arsenal at its best without this man would look like a Mercedez SLS without its engine.

Now, the list is down to this.

City without De Bruyne and Agüero.

United without de Gea.

Liverpool without Salah.

Chelsea without Hazard.

Spurs without Kane.

Arsenal without Özil.

When you imagine these clubs without the above marquee players, City would still find a way to get the job done and Liverpool, Spurs would suffer a lot.

Image Source: Google

For Other Statistics: Premier league

Aayush Bermola

Studying at Cambridge School Noida

5w ago

1.Manchester City - Man city would be hurt if KDB is taken away. Considering his current form he is the best player in the PL. But since Ilkay Gundogan is such an amazing player on bench, City would probably be able to cope up.

2. Manchester United- I was thinking who is their key player. Firstly I thought of Pogba but after thought I concluded it's David De'Gea. United are blessed to have DDG and he has saved the team so many times. United definitely be a weaker force without DDG.

3. Liverpool - Liverpool had already been hit by Coutinho's transfer and I think removing Salahwould mean Liverpool finishing below 6. Mane and Firmino are good players but Liverpool appear threatening this season due to Salah. He is a very important player for them and his 22 goals in the PL speak about his form.

4.Chelsea - Eden Hazard is the most important player in the Chelsea set-up. With strikers not performing, the onus is on Hazard to carry his team forward through the top 4.

5. Arsenal - Arsenal is the only team of which I could not think of a player very key to them. Sanchez has already departed and Aubameyang and Lacazette haven't really impressed. Ozil could be said as a important part and I think Arsenal would have been able to manage with Ozil leaving, although it would be a blow.

6. Spurs- No doubt Harry Kane is the most important part of Spurs. He has been constantly scoring goals since the last 2–3 seasons and overpasses even Messi and Ronaldo in the last calendar year which tells about his fine goal scoring ability. In my opinion, I guess Spurs would suffer the most of Harry Kane is taken away. Spurs will struggle alot and I guess it's right to call them a one man team. (No disrespect to Alli or Eriksen).

Conclusion- Man City, Arsenal and United will be able to manage without their key players. Liverpool and Chelsea will struggle but it is Tottenham which will suffer the most.

PS- All opinions are personal and can differ from yours.

Shaswat Mukherjee

former Working as Free Lancer

4w ago

Manchester City- Kevin De Bruyne- Without doubt, Man City’s best player this season. If KDB is replaced , then I believe City has enough money to attract big players. I think ,without KDB, they might suffer initially but after that they will get used to.

Manchester United - I believe Pogba and De Gea is their’s best player. In the course of season, when Pogba has missed a game, Man United has failed to register a win in that game. Biggest example has been the game against Chelsea and Man City this season. If David De Gea is out, even that case, they will suffer because he has saved Man United in most of the games in last few seasons.

Chelsea - N Golo Kante- If Chelsea lose Kante, again that will be a huge loss for them. I believe he is the best defensive midfielder in Premier League. He has played a huge role in Chelsea’s title win last season. If they lose Kante and with Bakayoko’s poor season, Chelsea will struggle badly.

Liverpool- Mo Salah, He is best player of the season for Liverpool this season. If Liverpool lose Salah, then I think Liverpool might struggle to achieve top 4. Mane and Firminho are great players but if they lose Salah then they will struggle

Arsenal- Arsenal have already lost their best player, Alexis Sanchez to Man United. Arsenal, at the moment, are once again trying to built a squad with Ozil, Mkhitariyan and Aubameyang. Let see how they cope up with it.

Tottenham- Harry Kane- Without Harry Kane, I think Spurs will even struggle to beat the bottom Clubs in Premier League. In Spurs last FA Cup game against Rochdale, we saw after introduction the introduction of Kane, Spurs looked more threatening. I know Spurs have decent players like Son, Dele Alli and Eriksen, but Kane is a lethal striker and to lose him , Spurs will struggle

Overall, I think Liverpool and Tottenham will struggle the most if they lose their best player. Manchester Clubs and Chelsea will initially struggle but as they are big spending clubs, they might buy someone good.

Alfred Yip

Hong Kong, Since July 2017, Arsenal for life, Top Writer 18

5w ago

If you take away:

De Bruyne from Manchester City, it won’t affect them much as they have Gündoğan and Sané.

De Gea from Manchester United, it causes a huge problem as Romero is nowhere matching the Spaniard’s level and consistency.

Mo Salah from Liverpool, it’ll force an instant impact in which Firmino and Mané will repair it with the other midfielders.

Álvaro Morata from Chelsea, nothing will happen as Giroud will take his place with his advantage - a veteran EPL player.

Christian Eriksen from Tottenham, they’ll lose someone who can score from free-kicks consistently for them.

Petr Čech from Arsenal, very big dilemma. Without him, no one can save the team from crumbling in a bad thrashing.

Manchester United will suffer the most if DDG is being taken away.

The reason is that he’s young and still has plenty to offer with the other keepers are still developing to be the No. 1 of the team.

On the other hand, while Čech is still important to Arsenal, he’s on the verge of retirement and they have Emi Martínez, a solid goalkeeper, on loan.

Also, Arsenal still has a number of quality, mature keepers, like Matt Macey and Ryan Huddart, at their disposal.

If Wenger decided to call them up, it shouldn’t be a problem for the Gunners.

For the other teams? They have various attacking talents inside the team who are replaceable without any transfers needed.

Sahil Kothari

studied Indian Certificate of Secondary Education at Cathedral High School (2018)

4w ago

Manchester City- All Man City players have contributed this season to their great season and it is difficult to choose one key player but according to me Kevin De Bruyne stood out for City having made the most assists(14) in this season and he has had a passing accuracy 83%. Aguero also has scored goals for City but if he is removed then it won’t harm them much as Jesus is also a good striker.

Manchester United- With the inclusion of Sanchez it would be early to say that he is a key player but one player who has played better than anyone in the team is their goalkeeper De Gea having made 15 clean sheets for his team so far which is most by any keeper this season and Man Utd have conceded the least goals in this season credit to de gea and their defence.

Liverpool- They have had a great season and their stand up performer without a doubt is Mohammad Salah the Egyptian helped his team reach World Cup by scoring a last minute penalty. Salah has scored 22 goals for Liverpool which is the second most in PL only 1 behind Kane his absence will surely reduce liverpool’s strength.

Chelsea- Winning last years premier league have not been the same this season mainly because of lack of quality signing and some poor performances by their defence but a standout performer for them has been Eden Hazard the Belgium has scored 11 goals and has provided 2 assists, hazard has 3rd most successful dribbles after Neymar and Messi, Chelsea already playing so poorly and if hazard is gone then they would have to spend something big.

Tottenham Hotspur- Spurs don’t deserve to be in 5th position because Harry Kane has played for them so well scoring most goals(23) in PL this season and he scored most goals in 2017 more than Messi and Ronaldo. Only at 23 Kane will turn out to be a superstar and will consider to move somewhere else.

Arsenal- For the past 1 year arsenal have not been playing well and people won’t be schocked if they go further down in the rankings and with Sanchez gone their standout performer is Ozil the German has always provided with beautiful passes and performances and with Sanchez gone if Ozil leaves then it would be a big blow for them.

Bharath Thakur

studied Information Science at BNM Institute of Technology

4w ago

The current top 6 are:

Manchester City: taking away Kevin De Bruyne has been pivotal for the team but taking him away from the team may not make a huge difference for the team while facing smaller teams but when facing big teams he could be the key in helping City to break quick. So, as essential as KDB is, City could do well without him too.

Manchester United: Not sure who is their main man is. So just goes to prove that, they would do well without their main man.

Liverpool: If Salah is taken away from them then Liverpool will face a crisis in the front. Firmino and Mane are exceptionally good but Salah on a good day is better.

Chelsea: Here Hazard has been tremendous in his role as a number 9 but more importantly Azpilicueta has proved why he is their man in need. Both the players have been doing their job really well and without these two Chelsea could go down really quickly.

Tottenham: Without Kane they will soon produce one more star player for Madrid to take awayand bounce back faster and better. So no star player leaving could alter this club’s persistence.

Arsenal: Ozil has been their main man for some time now, he would be a big loss for them but they will slowly bounce back too.

Talha Iqbal

4w ago

I would say the teams that would suffer most would be either Tottenham or United. While many would rate Liverpool, I think that the team could do fairly well without Salah. Sure they wouldn’t play as brilliantly but Firmino and Mane could carry the team, and let’s not forget Alexander-Arnold or Can.

However, if United lose either de Gea or Pogba, they would stop performing altogether.

In Tottenham’s case, without Kane, none of the other players would pergorm the same game again.

As for Man City, I think they could manage easily without de Bruyne. Sure he is very important and very skillful. But, de Bruyne is not the reason why City is the best team. It’s the tactics. They are a great blend between the Spanish and French game (watch Ligue 1) fitted for play in England. And they have a large number of good players as well.

For Chelsea, I’d say the same for Eden Hazard. And I think he is a bit exaggerated in the Premier League. He isn’t even the best player in Chelsea in my opinion, though it's debatable with Kante. And both Marcos Alonso and Willian (for his recent performance against Barcelona) are great contestants for the spot of best player.

And lastly, I have Arsenal. Well, consider this:

Arsenal no longer has a key player in Alexis Sanchez

It was going downhill anyways, so I guess it won’t make a difference either.