Welcome to the CaughtOffside end of year awards part two, continuing with the top ten overraterd Premier League stars…
We’re feeling in the festive spirit here at CaughtOffside, and have decided to hand out a host of end of season awards – how generous of us right! We’re continuing with the top ten overrated Premier League stars of 2014.
SEE MORE:
Premier League Half-Term Report: Grading Every Team From A To E – Arsenal And Liverpool Must Work Harder, While West Ham And Southampton Exceeding Expectations
Manchester City To Launch £25m Bid For Former Arsenal Target As Injury Concerns Grow
Christmas Football FC – Ten Holiday Themed Stars Featuring Aptly Named Arsenal Star & Former Man City Stiker
This list consists of those players who started the year with an admirable, or at least half-decent reputation, and have seen it crumble over the last twelve months.
With stars from Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea all included, see if you agree with our rankings:
10) Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United)
The United starlet started last season in fine form for David Moyes’ side, and looked set for a meteoric rise reminiscent of Liverpool star Raheem Sterling. However, he’s struggled for game time under Louis van Gaal and now looks likely to be shipped out on loan.
9) Roberto Soldado (Tottenham Hotspur)
Soldado arrived at Tottenham in a big money deal in the summer of 2013, and it’s worth remembering that things started fairly well for the Spaniard, with ten goals in all competitions. But its been a torrid 2014 for him, with just five goals, only two of them coming in the league.
8) Tim Howard (Everton)
Everyone will remember the magnificent World Cup the American stopper enjoyed, but his form – particularly this season – has been indifferent, with several high profile mistakes as the Toffee’s have struggled with their league form.
7) Joe Allen (Liverpool)
Liverpool paid £15m for the Welshman in 2012, but he’s never fully adapted to life at Liverpool, and his shortcomings have been exposed this season, with no Suarez or Sturridge to bail the Reds out. Allen is the ultimate pass it sideways player, and needs to bring more to the table.
6) Aaron Lennon (Tottenham Hotspur)
Lennon is still only 27, but hasn’t played for England since 2013, and has fallen massively down the pecking order for both club and country this year. His nine and a half year Spurs career could well be coming to an end in January.
5) Andre Schurrle (Chelsea)
The German World Cup winner cost Jose Mourinho £18m in the summer of 2013, but his Chelsea form has been little more than indifferent in 2014. With 19 appearances, most of them from the bench, and only four goals he should be doing more.
4) Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal)
The Arsenal goalkeeper was the golden glove winner at the end of last season, but his form has slipped alarmingly this season, with the Gunners facing a real fight to continue their run of top four finishes.
3) Dejan Lovren (Liverpool)
The Croatian cost Liverpool £20m in the summer transfer window, but he has struggled desperately since his arrival at Anfield, with a succession of under-par performances for Brendan Rodgers’ much maligned side.
2) Radamel Falcao (Manchester United)
United fans were right excited when the Colombian arrived in a big money loan deal from Monaco in the summer. But having missed much of last season and the World Cup through injury, he was always going to be short on form, and has managed just two goals so far this term.
1) Mario Balotelli (Liverpool)
Liverpool took a huge gamble when they paid AC Milan £16m for the Italian strikers services this summer. But after a poor finish to the season in his home country, his form has not improved in England, as he’s yet to net in the Premier League.
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