Supporters from across the country have identified the individual they believe each Premier League team cannot do without this season. Their choices highlight a range of reasons -- from goal scoring and creative spark to leadership and defensive steel.

Some selections reflect clinical finishing or assist numbers, while others emphasise the role a player fulfils within a manager's system. Below is a club-by-club summary of those picks, including the fans and podcasters who made the nominations and their explanations.

Arsenal's fast start in the title race has been underpinned by their midfield strength. Laura Kirk-Francis of the Latte Firm podcast has named Declan Rice as the Gunners' most important player.

"Is there anything Declan Rice can't do?" Kirk-Francis said. "This season Rice has been imperious, not only delivering inch-perfect set-piece deliveries but now adding goals to his output. His transfer fee of £105m continues to look like a steal for the Gunners."

After a slow start followed by a string of wins, Villa have stabilised their season. David Michael of My Old Man Said blog and podcast singled out Ollie Watkins as the one they rely on up front.

"Villa's squad relies on just one true out-and-out striker - and he has scored just once all season," Michael said. "Ollie Watkins has long been praised for his all-round play, and rightly so, but he's a confidence player and Villa can't afford to wait until he's 'in the mood'. In a system that gives him the trust and the minutes, the goals have to come."

Bournemouth's strong opening months have seen them enter conversations about European qualification. Tom Jordan of the Back of the Net podcast pointed to Antoine Semenyo as the club's standout performer.

"Currently Bournemouth's key player is unquestionably Antoine Semenyo," Jordan said. "The explosive wide forward already has six goals and three assists to his name this season and is unsurprisingly grabbing the headlines. At only 25 years old, his ceiling is high. He can play anywhere across the front line, plus he possesses both extraordinary pace and power on a consistent basis."

Adapting to life after a managerial change, Brentford have plenty of responsibility resting on creative players. Ian Westbrook of the Beesotted podcast believes Mikkel Damsgaard is the engine of the side.

"He is the man who makes things tick for Brentford," Westbrook said. "His vision and ability to spot and play the killer pass is unmatched in the squad and if he plays well, results generally follow."

Brighton have been inconsistent but remain in contention for European places. Scott McCarthy of We are Brighton nominated veteran striker Danny Welbeck as their indispensable option up front.

"He is the only out-and-out striker Brighton have who is Premier League ready until such time as Fabian Hurzeler feels confident unleashing the Greek teenagers [Charalampos Kostoulas and Stefanos Tzimas]," McCarthy said. "But it is not just the scarcity of other options which makes Welbeck a key player. When he plays well and scores goals, Brighton tend to win. Take note please, Thomas Tuchel."

Newly promoted Burnley have leaned on summer signings to boost their survival hopes. Natalie Bromley of the No Nay Never podcast highlighted goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka for his contributions.

"While the football world would expect us to say Kyle Walker, it's hard to see past Martin Dúbravka as Burnley's key player this season," Bromley said. "He's pulled out some incredible saves to preserve points in key relegation games and his Premier League experience has been vital."

Chelsea have seen a number of personnel shifts, and with others injured, Moisés Caicedo has taken on a major role. Will Faulks of Chelsea News believes he has become central to the team's output.

"Cole Palmer is Chelsea's most important player, but Moises Caicedo is running him pretty close right now," Faulks said. "With Palmer out, Caicedo has even become an important goalscorer and creator, as we saw on Saturday where he effectively won the game for the Blues single-handedly."

Crystal Palace's set-up depends on wide players who can cover large areas in both phases of play. Alex Pewter of the FYP podcast sees Daniel Muñoz as the player the team needs consistently available.

"Daniel Munoz remains the team's key player," Pewter said. "His stamina and range allows Oliver Glasner's 3-4-2-1 formation to click, as a genuine two-way threat. The fact that the club elected not to acquire a viable backup means the team's success hinges more on his availability than on other talents."

Everton have relied on moments of creativity to lift their performances. Mike Richards of the Unholy Trinity Everton Podcast argues that loanee Jack Grealish is the player opponents most fear.

"It has to be Jack Grealish," Richards said. "He is constantly singled out for 'special treatment' by the opposition due to his quality and importance to Everton in an attacking sense. He strikes a sense of fear into opponents and as he has proven already, his creativity stands out from the rest of the squad."

Fulham have struggled for consistency and have been forced to adapt at full-back. Drew Heatley of Fulhamish points to Ryan Sessegnon as the player who has made himself essential.

"He has found himself thrust into the first XI, mostly at left-back, as Antonee Robinson struggles with his return from summer surgery," Heatley said. "But he has quickly made himself indispensable, chalking up two goals in the process."

Leeds have battled to find a reliable attacking spark since returning to the top flight. Adonis Storr of the Roaring Peacock believes Noah Okafor provides the creativity they need.

"Leeds have struggled in attacking areas this season but Okafor has flair and creativity," Storr said. "It will be vital for Leeds' chances of survival to keep him fit and get him firing consistently."

Liverpool's campaign has been a mix of strong starts and concerning defeats. Jordan Chamberlain of Empire of the Kop says Dominik Szoboszlai has been the most consistent performer.

"He's been the best of an inconsistent bunch this season," Chamberlain said. "Physically incredible, Szoboszlai works tirelessly and has flair on the ball, too. Arne Slot should play him in midfield [all the time], not at right-back."

Manchester City's attacking fortunes frequently hinge on their prolific striker. Freddie Pye of City Xtra underlined how crucial Erling Haaland is to their chances.

"With more goals than every other Manchester City players' goals tally combined across competitions, is there anything else that needs to be said about Erling Haaland's importance right now?" Pye said. "Keep him fit and firing in front of goal with the right service, and we could be seeing a silverware-laden 2026 at the Etihad Stadium."

Manchester United have benefited from the stabilising presence of a senior midfielder. Alex Turk at Turk Talks FC labelled Casemiro as the club's core figure.

"Bruno Fernandes is the headline star and Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha are the new shiny toys, but Casemiro is the soul of this team," said Turk. "United have conceded 18 goals this season, and he's only been on the pitch for five of them. Not to mention he's getting in on the attacking act, with four goal contributions in his last five appearances."

Newcastle have experienced erratic form, and Charlotte Robson of True Faith believes Sandro Tonali has been indispensable in midfield.

"I don't think you can look past Sandro Tonali at Newcastle," Robson said. "I've never seen a better midfielder play for my club - his technical ability coupled with his incredible work rate has saved us several times this season already. That he has signed until 2029 at least is a huge boon for Newcastle."

Forest's season has been difficult and Pat Riddell of the Famous Club selected Neco Williams as the player who keeps turning up in tough times.

"It's been a terrible start to the season for Nottingham Forest which makes this quite an easy choice," Riddell said. "Neco Williams has had his critics in his three seasons at the City Ground but this year he's been an absolute mainstay in the side. The Welshman always gives 100%, is up and down whichever wing he's picked to play on and manages to attack and defend with equal ability. Commitment, fearlessness and determination mean he's easily one of the first names on the team sheet."

Sunderland have impressed after promotion and Gavin Henderson of Roker Report credits captain Granit Xhaka with instilling the mindset needed at this level.

"Sunderland have taken the Premier League by storm this season, but the man leading the charge has undoubtedly been our new captain," Henderson said. "Xhaka embodies professionalism and, importantly, determination. Sunderland are not content with finishing in the bottom three, and that's because of the mentality Xhaka has helped to instill on and off the pitch. An absolute warrior."

Tottenham's defensive pairing has been central to their identity, and Ali Speechly of Women of the Lane highlighted Cristian Romero's influence.

"Haters will question his temperament but real ones know the Argentinian World Cup winner is in control," Speechly said. "One half of one of the best centre-back pairings in the league, 'Cuti' can also spring Spurs into attack with thrilling through-balls. As the team finds its feet under Thomas Frank, our captain must continue to lead by example."

West Ham have cycled through managers this season and Jarrod Bowen remains central to their attacking output. Supporters note his leadership and contribution to goal involvement.

Wolves have endured a difficult run and fans point to João Gomes as the combative midfielder who sets the tone in the middle of the park. Dazzling Dave of Always Wolves emphasised his energy and presence.

"He shows grit, determination and heart," Dave said. "He battles and controls midfield, setting the tone with energy and bite. Strong in the tackle and aggressive in duels, he wins second balls and keeps play moving. He also leads on the pitch, driving standards and rallying team-mates."

The fan selections show that teams lean on different types of leaders: some need a clinical finisher to win matches, others require a midfield metronome or a defensive commander. Across the Premier League, the players chosen combine a mix of on-field output and intangible influence that supporters clearly value.