20 Most Important Players In The Premier League 2014/15

9. Fabricio Coloccini

Much has changed under Alan Pardew, but Newcastle's defence remains something of a cohesive and familiar unit. Despite previous rumours of the Argentine wanting to return to his home nation sooner rather than later, Coloccini stays on at St. James' Park once again to act as the central defensive stalwart. In forward areas, plenty of reinforcements have been drafted in, with Facundo Ferreyra, Remy Cabella and Emmanuel Riviere coming through the doors, but Coloccini is still the man tasked with marshalling the back four and guiding Newcastle away from the doldrums of the latter half of last season. Solid in the air and far more dependable than his David Luiz-esque hair would suggest, if the Magpies are to mimic their fantastic start to last season, they need their foundations to support a push towards European football. Pardew has made signings to address offensive frailties, but old faces are needed to keep things watertight for Tim Krul.