Key Players at Every Big Six Premier League Club This Season

The Premier League’s curtain-raiser is just around the corner, and it will kick off as last season ended, with Liverpool front and center. The Reds romped to the title last term, finishing ten points clear of Arsenal after dominating throughout the course of the campaign. Now, they will kick off the new season, and they harbor very real hopes of successfully defending their crown.

The landscape of the Premier League is dominated by the ‘Big Six,’ each defined not merely by collective depth but by the singular brilliance of their indispensable stars. In a season where inches separate triumph from disappointment, these clubs’ hopes rest squarely on the shoulders of their heartbeat players. Here are the most important stars for each team.

Arsenal — Declan Rice

Step into the Emirates and you’ll see the rise of a new Gunners axis, orchestrated by the steady hand of Declan Rice. Signed for a staggering £120 million from West Ham United two years ago, Rice doesn’t just anchor Arsenal’s

midfield; he commands it, with precision and purpose. Last season, he boasted an 83% tackle success rate and completed over 2,600 passes, most among Arsenal midfielders, triggering Mikel Arteta to transform his midfield dynamo from an anchorman into a more box-to-box role.

Rice is the balancing act in Arteta’s relentless system—part shield, part springboard. His anticipation snuffs out counterattacks before they ignite, while his progressive passes launch red shirts in orchestrated waves. Listen to the crowd when Arsenal press high—there’s a dramatic hush, an expectation that Rice will be at the heart of it all, dictating

Van Dijk’s presence is a paradox—so dominant as to be almost invisible, until you see a crucial block, a towering header, or a calm word that steadies a nervous full-back. This season, with Arne Slot continuing to implement his technical blueprint and the team grappling with the emotional fallout of Diogo Jota’s passing, Van Dijk’s leadership will be as vital as his defensive mastery.

Manchester United — Bruno Fernandes

At a reeling Manchester United, there is only one true creator-in-chief: Bruno Fernandes. The skipper was the only positive

never shies away. United’s pathway to redemption winds through their brilliant captain.

Chelsea — Cole Palmer

There are times when clarity cuts through the fog of uncertainty, and for Chelsea, that clarity is Cole Palmer. When the attacking midfielder arrived at Stamford Bridge two years ago, he was joining a club in turmoil. Fast forward two years, and Cold P has been the driving force in Chelsea becoming champions of the world.

frustration and delight. Last season, he crafted 68 chances and ran the show between midfield and attack. It was his persistent injuries that saw Spurs slump down to 17th in the table.

However, Europa League triumph without the former Leicester City man in the line-up means the North London club returns to the Champions League this season. Maddison will have to be at his very best if Spurs are to compete with the continent’s finest.