The Premier League top 6's most important players

The end of the Premier League season is rapidly approaching, and teams in contention for the trophy will be pulling out all the stops to give themselves a fighting chance of ending the campaign on a high.

Whether it's a world-class goalscorer, a master of defence or a midfield maestro, teams will be relying on individual quality to get them over the line in 2023/24.

Here, 90min take a look at the most important player in each top six team:

Liverpool - Virgil van Dijk

Reds captain Virgil van Dijk has established himself as one of the finest defenders in the world since joining Liverpool in January 2018.

After facing some criticism for his performances following his initial return from a serious injury, Van Dijk has been firmly back to his best 2023/24.

There's no doubt that the club captain will key to Liverpool's title ambitions in the final few weeks of the campaign.

Arsenal - Kai Havertz

No one in the Arsenal squad divides opinion quite like him, but there's a reason 'Kai Havertz scores again' can be heard ringing around the Emirates more often than not.

Mikel Arteta has awakened the fight inside Havertz, who has become a real asset in the final third thanks to his auxiliary attacking role in the team - making up for the Gunners' lack of an outright centre-forward.

Havertz will be vital for Arsenal's Premier League title ambitions, and will be expected to bag key goals in their pursuit of a first title in two decades.

Man City - Rodri

Manchester City boast some incredible talent, but Rodri is perhaps the most important of the lot.

When Rodri is out of the team, panic starts to spread. In fact, when he was absent due to suspension, City lost all three games, but as soon as he returned, so did the wins.

If they're to claw their way back to the top of the standings before now and the end of the season, Rodri will be key.

Aston Villa - Ollie Watkins

This season is proving to be Ollie Watkins' best since his move from Brentford in 2020. He's the reason why Aston Villa are sitting in fourth in the Premier League, and he'll be reason they stay there if he continues his fine form in front of goal.

He's played 30 games in the top-flight this season and has bagged 16 goals and 10 assists in that time.

Watkins has been genuinely outstanding for Aston Villa. He's a complete centre forward, and has helped make Villa one of the most feared teams in the league.

Tottenham - Son Heung-min

Son Heung-min is one of the most consistent players in the Premier League, an influential character who is now the fifth-highest goalscorer in Tottenham's history.

He's a modern icon at the Lilywhites, and has taken to life as the club's captain like a duck to water by scoring 15 times in 27 appearances in his first season with the armband.

Goals come naturally to the 31-year-old, making him one of the most important components of Spurs' attack.

Man Utd - Alejandro Garnacho

19-year-old Alejandro Garnacho is one of the most exciting young talents in the world, nevermind just the Premier League.

The Argentine is a wonderfully effective player in the final third, but he has also made huge strides in his defensive work this season too. He's made 27 appearances in the Premier League this season, scoring five goals in those games.

Garnacho is also an incredible team player, forming formidable partnerships with youngsters Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Hojlund already.

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