Premier League: 5 players central to their team's fortunes this season

#1 Eden Hazard (Chelsea)

Hazard has been the one constant for the Blues

The jewel in Chelsea's crown and the one constant in a fluctuating team, Hazard has become the central figure in the Blues' chase for a Top 4 spot.

For a team filled with seasoned internationals including World Cup winners, the dependence on the Belgian captain has been baffling. Such is his importance that when he is on song, Sarri's men are purring and vice versa.

In a team filled with seasoned internationals, Hazard has been over and above the most important player in the side. It is almost certain that without the Belgian's captain contributions, Chelsea might not be in the current Top 4 spot it occupies.

His low centre of gravity, dribbling, technique, and finishing have been in full display this season. Playing a free role and shorn of the defensive work he was burdened by under Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho, he has been like a man reborn.

In 18 games so far, Hazard has delivered 10 goals and 9 assists. The 27-year-old has been at the heart of everything good the Blues have done; he has been the best advertisement for Sarriball so far.