20 Most Important Players In The Premier League 2014/15

17. Diego Costa

Last season, Jose Mourinho was left bemoaning his selection of strikers as Chelsea didn't quite have the firepower required to break into the top two. Samuel Eto'o was an experienced stop-gap and Demba Ba contributed some important goals, but this summer the Portuguese coach has had his own way in the transfer market, taking the Spain international to Stamford Bridge for a hefty fee. Netting several goals in pre-season, looking fairly sharp in the process, the former Atletico Madrid man certainly has the physical presence to not be flustered in the Premier League. Quick and powerful, the Brazil-born striker has the attributes required to lead the line alone in 4-2-3-1, though his finishing isn't extremely clinical as previous evidence has shown in La Liga. If the Blues are to drive towards the title, they need Costa to perform. But, not only that, Chelsea require him to keep his head. He showed his hot-headed side during their friendly win over Ferencvaros, clashing with defender Mateos, following a seemingly innocuous challenge. Costa has a fiery side, but if Mourinho can harness the beast, the Blues will enjoy a physical and intense character who only wants to win.