Eden Hazard and N'Golo Kante lead Chelsea's most important players

With less than two weeks to go until the start of the Premier League season, clubs are finilising their squads for the new campaign.
But who are the biggest teams' most important men? Jack Rathborn ranks Chelsea's top 15 players.
1. Eden Hazard
The mercurial Belgian is still Chelsea's most important player due to his ability to turn a game by himself, as proven last season in the thrilling 2-2 draw with Tottenham. Antonio Conte will hope to restore his confidence to that of 2014-15.
2. N'Golo Kante
With so many holes in the Blues' squad right now, Kante's superhuman athleticism and stamina in the middle of midfield makes him vital to papering over the cracks in the infancy of Conte's reign. As part of a midfield pair, he will hope to have a similar impact to that of his Leicester days.
3. Diego Costa
The combative striker's future is still up for debate but his proven track record -- when steering clear of injuries -- could fire Chelsea back into Europe while new signing Michy Batshuayi settles with his new side. The only question is whether he can stay fit.
4. Willian
Willian's positional discipline and tactical intelligence ensure he is essential in this transition towards 4-4-2. He was Chelsea's best player in a horrible season for the Blues, but might be tired after a summer of Copa America action.
5. John Terry
Obviously not at his peak anymore but with Chelsea so vulnerable at the back, his organisation and leadership become even more pivotal. The 35-year-old is as important off the pitch as he is on it.
6. Kurt Zouma
The young Frenchman has incredible pace and power that Chelsea are sorely lacking at the back and will become a key player for Conte when he returns from his long-term knee injury.
7. Cesar Azpilicueta
The Spaniard is now Chelsea's only dependable full-back -- whether it be on the right or left -- meaning he simply must be back to his best to ensure the Blues are solid defensively down one flank.
8. Cesc Fabregas
Had a torrid season last term but his creativity in possession is a huge asset to this side and the Spaniard has a point to prove this year. He needs to add some bite if he is to play as a midfield duo with Kante, but he is a class act.
9. Thibaut Courtois
The Belgian needs to find his very best form again, which has been missing for a year or so, but potentially he can become the best goalkeeper in the world and is a real difference maker.
10. Michy Batshuayi
A €40m signing this summer, the Belgian is unproven in the Premier League but his powerful and speedy presence in the box will be handy. With Conte opting to field two strikers, he will be tasked with offering a duel threat up top. If he can manage 15 league goals, it'll be a solid debut campaign.

Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League last season and Matic was one of the reasons.

11. Nemanja Matic
Another who endured a horrendous time last season, his physicality and deceptively creative passing could make him a better fit alongside Kante if Fabregas struggles in Conte's 4-4-2. The Italian believes he can become one of the best in the world again.
12. Branislav Ivanovic
Last season suggested that the Serbian is on the way down, but the 32-year-old's experience and dressing room presence remain important. With set-pieces likely to be key to this side, Ivanovic should be useful in both penalty areas and will surely keep young Ola Aina out at right-back.
13. Gary Cahill
Cahill's consistency when defending in deep, compact lines could be a short term solution for Conte, though Ivanovic will also be an option inside alongside Terry while Zouma rehabilitates. The England man has not blossomed like many predicted, but is still a key component of the Chelsea defence.
14. Oscar
This is a pivotal season for the Brazilian, whose midfield role in this side appears deeper this term. If he can adapt, his superior positional discipline and physicality to Fabregas could push him into a starting berth.
15. Juan Cuadrado
A favourite of Conte and clearly a natural fit in his 4-4-2, if the new manager can turn the Colombian into the player we've seen in Serie A, Chelsea could have another wide threat. A perfect fit in a flat 4-4-2 and will be keen to prove Jose Mourinho wrong.