Some top Premier League names have had a drop in form this season…
This season has seen a number of outstanding performances from the wide array of talent on display in the Premier League, with Diego Costa, Alexis Sanchez, and Harry Kane so often stealing the show.
However, there have also been some big name players in England’s top-flight that have gone off the boil, with WhoScored drawing up a list of the worst offenders.
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We take a look at the five players in question who have seen their ratings plunge this campaign:
Romelu Lukaku – Everton
2013/14 Rating – 7.31
2014/15 Rating – 6.75
Lukaku was excellent on loan with the Toffees from Chelsea last season. His performances have significantly dropped since making the move to Goodison Park permanent however, and such is the importance of his goals, the Merseyside outfit are struggling mid-table this campaign.
The Belgian was Everton’s top-scorer during his loan-spell, which prompted the club to sign the striker on a permanent deal for a club-record £28m.
The Chelsea flop is failing miserably to live up to such a huge price-tag, but at still just 21-years-old, there is hope he can start to deliver the goods once again.
Wojciech Szczesny – Arsenal
2013/14 Rating – 7.04
2014/15 Rating – 6.46
Arsenal’s bad-boy – Szczesny has pulled off some incredible stops for Arsene Wenger’s side. Tthe Poland international has become his own worst nightmare this season however, as his performances and off the field antics have hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
Since being caught smoking in the club showers following the 2-0 defeat to Southampton on New Year’s Day, the stopper saw his place between the sticks usurped by David Ospina.
A stopper with the potential to become one of the world’s best, but has an awful lot to prove.
Christian Benteke – Aston Villa
2013/14 Rating – 7.26
2014/15 Rating – 6.50
The striker was superb in his first season at Aston Villa, yet once more it seems to be the same story of injury blighting the career of a naturally gifted forward.
Benteke scored 19 goals in his first campaign at Villa Park, but has struggled to return to form following a serious injury that kept him out of the 2014 World Cup.
The 24-year-old hasn’t scored a league goal this calendar year, and new Villa boss Tim Sherwood will need to get the very best out of the forward if they are to avoid relegation.
Aaron Ramsey – Arsenal
2013/14 Rating – 7.76
2014/15 Rating – 6.98
Aaron Ramsey was outstanding last season for the Gunners – scoring an excellent 16 goals. Yet this campaign has seen the Wales international struggle once more with injury, and he has consequently seen any hopes of repeating last year’s heroics dashed.
The 24-year-old needs a run of games in order to get up to the pace of the Premier League, and with five goals and three assists, much more is expected from someone of Ramsey’s talent.
A sublime volley against Galatasaray in the Champions League hasn’t been enough for Arsene Wenger or the Gunners faithful.
Steven Gerrard – Liverpool
2013/14 Rating – 7.77
2014/15 Rating – 6.96
Last month Steven Gerrard announced he would be leaving his boyhood club in the summer with a move to the MLS and LA Galaxy.
While the Reds will miss their talisman’s inspiration, his performances have seen a drop as his impact on the field has dwindled.
Jordan Henderson – mooted as Gerrard’s replacement as captain – is excelling in midfield, with his energy proving invaluable in controlling the centre of the park. While the reliable Lucas Leiva has often been preferred ahead of the Anfield legend, who no longer seems to excel in any one position.
It seems the 34-year-old may have made the right call in moving on from the club.
