It’s a day when teams start equal. As the Premier League kicks off today, DNA picks the five players who can make a difference to the fortune of their sides…
Didier Drogba
The ultimate striker. He has the ability to score goals whenever he feels like. His value can be gauged by the relief felt by the supporters of the London club and the new manager Carlo Ancelotti after Drogba decided not to move to Inter Milan.
Country: Ivory Coast
Club: Chelsea
Position: Striker
Age: 31
Cesc Fabregas
One of the most experienced campaigners in Arsene Wenger’s side, Fabregas will be under a lot of pressure to deliver. The Spaniard has matured over the years in Arsenal and is now a complete midfielder who has the ability to direct the game.
Country: Spain
Club: Arsenal
Position: Midfielder
Age: 22
Carlos Tevez
The Argentine striker moved from Manchester United to City hoping for a place in the starting 11 but with Santa Cruz and Adebayor there, he will have healthy competition to in order feature in the starting XI. He will be dearly missed by Alex Ferguson.
Country: Argentina
Club: Manchester City
Position: Striker
Age: 25
Wayne Rooney
Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo formed a deadly combo that terrorised defences till last year. But with the departure of Ronaldo to Real Madrid, Rooney will have to take the responsibility of ensuring Manchester United doesn’t lose its goal-scoring edge.
Country: England
Club: Manchester United
Position: Striker
Age: 23
A Aquilani
Xabi Alonso’s departure to Real Madrid prompted Rafael Benitez to buy Alberto Aquilani from Roma. Though it will be difficult for anyone to fill in for Alonso, the Italian is capable of delivering the goods. If Fernando Torres has to strike, Aquilani will have to be at his creative best.
Country: Italy
Club: Liverpool
Position: Midfielder
Age: 25
