It may have only been a month since the end of the World Cup in Brazil, but the Premier League season is already upon us. Transfer dealings are yet to come to a close, but the nucleus of most squads is already in place, as improvement stands as the highest item on each team's agenda. Each side have their key men, whether their contributions are in the form of instant inspiration or unbeatable consistency, but a whole array of cogs are required to line up accordingly in order to create a well-oiled machine. What cannot be avoided, however, is that sides have their stars, players who toe the line between their employers tasting victory or defeat on a Saturday afternoon. In football, strength lies in the collective, but the group undeniably becomes much stronger when the dressing room's top performers live up to their billing. Plenty of cash has been splashed but unfortunately, huge contracts don't go hand in glove with value for money. Injuries are an unfortunate part of the game, derailing potential title charges or battles for relegation. Despite there being eleven men on the field, games can be decided by just the sheer brilliance of one, or the woe of another. As such, here are some of the Premier League's key men of the coming campaign, for better or worse. There will be plenty of defining moments along the way, but each side has one man who fans and players alike look to be the catalyst or the most dependable person on the field.
