By Katie Catherall
The end of the Premier League season brought incredible drama at the top and bottom of the division as the title, European spots and relegation were all confirmed.
Whether it's a world-class goalscorer, a master of defence or a midfield maestro, the teams at the top all had to rely on individual quality to get them over the line at points during the 2023/24 campaign.
So who are the most important players for the top six clubs including league champions Man City, runners-up Arsenal and Carabao Cup holders Liverpool?
Here, 90min takes a look at the most important player in each top six side.
Man City - Rodri
Manchester City boast incredible talent throughout their squad, 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. However, as soon as he returned, so did the wins.
The Spaniard played a huge role as the Cityzens went unbeaten in the league from December until May, also scoring a crucial goal on the final day against West Ham United to help secure a fourth successive title.
Arsenal - Kai Havertz
No one in the Arsenal squad divides opinion quite like him, but there's a reason 'Kai Havertz scores again' has been heard ringing around the Emirates Stadium more often than expected at the start of the season.
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.
While Arsenal couldn't usurp Man City at the top of the table, the Germany international repaid the faith of their £65m move with 13 Premier League goals in 2023/24, a new career best having failed to hit double figures at previous club Chelsea.
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 in 2023/24.
Liverpool ultimately fell away in the Premier League title race but there's no doubt the club captain will key to the Anfield club's hopes as they begin a new era under incoming manager Arne Slot following Jurgen Klopp's departure.
Aston Villa - Ollie Watkins
Ollie Watkins enjoyed his best ever campaign in the top flight, with both his goals and assists proving crucial as Aston Villa stunned the Premier League and finished fourth, sealing qualification for the Champions League.
The England international racked up 19 goals and 13 assists for the Villans in 2023/24, with only Cole Palmer making more goal contributions during the campaign.
Watkins is a complete centre forward and has helped turn Villa into 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, the South Korean is a modern icon in north London and has taken to life as the club's captain like a duck to water.
Goals come naturally to the 31-year-old, making him one of the most important cogs in Spurs' attack.
Chelsea - Cole Palmer
Where on earth would Chelsea be if not for summer signing Cole Palmer?
Signed from Man City having grown frustrated with his role, the attacking midfielder went on to score 22 Premier League goals - offering reliability from the spot with nine penalties - during an extraordinary first season at Stamford Bridge.
His performances were pivotal as a late season charge saw the Blues finish sixth. The England international will now want his side to push on under a new manager following Mauricio Pochettino's exit.
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This article was originally published on 90min.com as The Premier League top 6's most important players.
