Premier League 2013/14: Predicting Best Players Of Each Club

Manchester United - Robin Van Persie

They are the current champions of the Premier League, and have had their name etched on the trophy 13 times out of 22. The biggest and most successful club in the country, Manchester United will once again be among the favourites to retain the title. However, one key element has changed which had previously always been a constant in the Premier League. Players, managers and chairmen could all leave, but one constant for 21 years was Sir Alex Ferguson. By many considered the most successful club manager of all time, he has left the largest of shoes to fill for his successor David Moyes. My sympathy is with Moyes, as although he has the privilege of being at one of the most sought after positions in world football, nobody would feel entirely self-assured following Ferguson into Old Trafford. The squad has remained essentially intact, with few arrivals compared to their championship rivals, and only Paul Scholes among the notable departures from the side. Of course, that could all change with Wayne Rooney attempting to orchestrate an escape from the side to join Chelsea, but even if he were to leave the club will remain strong. It always does. The true success behind Manchester United is that they keep hold of their players for years upon years, and when one decides to leave or hang up their boots, they always seem prepared with a replacement. Manchester United are the most forward thinking and prepared side in the Premier League, and that is why that even without Sir Alex they will undoubtedly finish near the top of the league at the very least. The only potential mishap will be if Moyes collapses under the pressure, but he fully deserves the opportunity he has been given. Of all the great players in the team that romped away with the title last year, one man stood head and shoulders above the rest, and look for Robin van Persie to continue to lead the line for the Red Devils. Van Persie was the top goalscorer last season with 26 goals, in spite of a ten game scoreless streak towards the end of the season. His cultured play and ability to score from anywhere on the pitch makes him the biggest threat to nets all across the country, as his left foot will certainly curl home a few screamers in this season. Though he has now passed the age of 30, he will certainly have enough about him to spearhead another title challenge this campaign, and will hopefully aid in the progression of other upcoming strikers such as Danny Welbeck and Wilfried Zaha. Now that he has certainly shaken off the tag of "injury prone", van Persie has been the most consistent and effective striker of the last three years and shows no signs of slowing down. With or without Rooney, the goals that van Persie scores will determine so many victories this season. He is one of the few players in the league with the capability of determining matches all by himself. Where will they finish? - 2nd