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As the summer transfer season gets underway, the English Premier League approaches towards something close to an overhaul. Managerial changes are rampant as four of the top six clubs have new bosses and the consequent signings are also within the range of visibility. News of big departures is also coming in thick and fast as the likes of Gareth Bale, Luis Suarez and Wayne Rooney look unsettled at their respective clubs. Amidst the fast changing dynamics of the Premier League, this article is a search for some quiet stability, some genius that we are likely to see next season. These midfield architects are likely to see wholesale changes around them as new signings fill in the gaps but they, with their admirable form last year, have become integral to the future plans of their respective clubs. A midfielder must create chances, take the opportunity when it presents itself and engineer the flexible movement of players all around him. Here is a list of five players who have been vital for their team’s success this season and are likely to continue performing that role next season.
Juan Mata
The Spaniard sizzled at Chelsea this season proving that he is one of the most underrated play-makers in the world. He was one of the players who was able to battle through all the distractions prevalent at the club and found favour with ‘interim manager’ Rafael Benitez. Mata makes up for his lack of physical strength through his vision, and his ability to take on defenders and his close control on the ball. There has been some speculation regarding the role Mata will play under Jose Mourinho’s regime, but ‘The Special One’ would be foolish to not utilize him in his first XI. His 12 goals and 12 assists in the Premier League as well as 1 goal and 5 assists in their Europa League campaign helped Chelsea save face in a potentially disastrous campaign. Santi Cazorla 
Another Spaniard who completed a move to Arsenal ahead of the beginning of the season has had a major contribution in Arsenal’s Champions League qualification. Santi Cazorla provides quality movement off the ball, pace and skill on the ball, and an eye for goal. He was one of the major reasons why Arsenal did not miss Fabregas or Samir Nasri this season when most critics predicted them bowing out of the Champions League spots. His stats of 12 goals and 11 assists made him one of the four major goalscorers for the team this season. Cazorla is a player who possesses great diversity in his game and can play centrally, on the wing or as a holding midfielder. He will be Arsene Wenger’s shot in the arm as they strive for a trophy next season.
Michael Carrick 
The effectiveness of the Manchester United midfielder has always been under some doubt; but this season, Michael Carrick has proved himself to be the lynchpin of a champion team. Voted Manchester United player’s player of the season, he has been the engine of United’s forward movements. His understated style and reserve often keeps him shy of such lists, and stats don’t do justice to the contribution he makes to the team. His distribution and great positional sense makes up for his inability in front of the goal.
Yaya Toure
Power, pace, strength and vision. These aspects define Yaya Toure and his importance to the blue side of Manchester. The bulky midfielder has a penchant for runs through the middle and incisive passes all around re. His inconsistent form this season, and the fact that sides tried to shackle him was one of the key reasons why City could not retain their title this season. However, Yaya will be re-energized for next season and with the likes of David Silva, Samir Nasri and other summer signings under Manuel Pellegrini supporting him he is most likely to add to his 7 goals and 5 assists this season.
Steven Gerrard
Enough doubts have been raised around the name of the talismanic figure at Liverpool. Gerrard’s fitness issues held him back during much of the 2011-12, but he has returned with some force and consistency. Gerrard played the 90 minutes of each and every Liverpool league game till those matches became of little consequence to his team’s final standing on the table. It is a pity that, in recent years, the quality around him has disappeared as he has had to combine with half-cooked or young players. Gerrard’s contribution in terms of 9 goals and 9 assists this season does not fully reflect his contribution as he linked defence and attack with tirelessness in the absence of Lucas for a large part of the season. Since the return of the Brazilian, he has been able to play with more aggression and intent. Gerrard’s game has evolved over the last few years as he sits in a deeper role and executes his accurate long range passes with incredible consistency. With Philippe Coutinho, and more talent around him, Gerrard is likely to be more lethal next season.
