Football is the most loved game across the globe, but it can be cruel on certain occasions. In that context, playing for a big club can often lead to lack of game time for some footballers.
There have been many incidents in the past where a managerial change or lack of form has led to the removal of a player from the starting line-up. Let us look at the top five current players who do not deserve to be benched at their respective clubs:
KEYLOR NAVAS
Keylor Navas was signed by Paris Saint-Germain in 2019 in order to help the French outfit compete at the highest level in the Champions League. The former Real Madrid goalkeeper came in and delivered scintillating performances throughout and helped PSG reach the Champions League final in his first season, which they ultimately lost to Bayern Munich. Though Navas is 34, he still has much to offer to the team, but his chances now look bleak as PSG have landed Gianluigi Donnarumma from AC Milan after the Italian’s heroic display at the 2020 Euros. PSG’s head coach, Mauricio Pochettino, has now opted for the Italian as his first-choice goalie, moving Navas to the bench.
DONNY VAN DE BEEK
Donny van de Beek was signed by Manchester United after spending half a decade with Ajax in order to pair up with Paul Pogba in the defensive midfield role. But things haven’t turned out to be fruitful for van de Beek as he has found himself on the bench more often than not under Ole Gunnar Solskjær. Surprisingly, there has been a lot of speculation about his possible exit from Old Trafford as Fred and Scott McTominay remain firmly in charge of the defensive midfield roles at the club.
Also Read – OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJÆR’S JOURNEY AS MANCHESTER UNITED MANAGER
FERRAN TORRES
Ferran Torres is a young and talented Spaniard who is slowly cementing his spot in the Spain national team. But as far as his club career at Manchester City is concerned, he has not been in the starting line-up due to the presence of other big names in the team. The likes of Jack Grealish, Gabriel Jesus and Riyad Mahrez are preferred ahead of Torres, and the sudden uproar from Bernardo Silva after a poor 2020-21 season has made life more difficult for him in the blue side of Manchester. Though Pep Guardiola has used Torres on a few occasions this season, it looks like he needs to wait for quite some time before getting regular game time.
BEN CHILWELL
Ben Chilwell was crucial to Chelsea‘s Champions League triumph under Thomas Tuchel last season, but things have changed since the new campaign got underway. Surprisingly, Spanish left-back Marcos Alonso, who was linked to a number of clubs in the summer transfer window, has forced his way into the first team, replacing Chilwell. Alonso’s brilliant attacking performances as a wingback have kept Chilwell out of the side as Thomas Tuchel loves to play three at the back. Chilwell, however, is defensively stronger than Alonso, but Chelsea’s current formation suits the Spaniard more than the Englishman.
Also Read – Thomas Tuchel’s Journey So Far
ROBERTO FIRMINO
Roberto Firmino’s contribution in the Liverpool attack has always been more than scoring goals. He has been the link between Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané, who are the main scorers for the Merseyside outfit. Due to his brilliant link-up play and clinical finishing, Firmino has always been preferred by Klopp, sometimes even ahead of Mané and Salah, but the arrival of Diogo Jota last season, and Firmino’s own poor form of late, have seen the Brazilian move to the bench, which looks unlikely to change anytime soon.
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