A look at some players somewhat lucky to play so many games for Premier League clubs this season, including some big names at Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea…
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1) Vincent Kompany (Manchester City)
Far from at his best this season, Vincent Kompany is even starting to look like a liability at the back for Manchester City and surely should’ve been dropped some time ago.
2) Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal)
Replaced midway through the season by David Ospina, Wojciech Szczesny has been a passenger at Arsenal for too long now and should arguably have been replaced as number one right at the beginning of the campaign when the superior Colombian shot-stopper was brought in.
3) Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal)
Despite clearly looking far worse than he did last season, Aaron Ramsey has played a surprisingly high number of games for Arsenal when perhaps the likes of Tomas Rosicky could’ve earned more of a chance.
4) Robin van Persie (Manchester United)
Another player looking past his peak, Robin van Persie’s form for Manchester United has been noticeably worse this season, but he would probably have played even more games if not for injuries, keeping Wayne Rooney in his less effective role in midfield.
5) Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
A player slowly being phased out by Liverpool, Steven Gerrard certainly should’ve been dropped earlier after a poor start to the season, though he only recently lost his place and the captain’s armband to Jordan Henderson.
6) Mario Balotelli (Liverpool)
Another Liverpool flop now dropped by the club, Mario Balotelli is another who was overused by the Reds when he clearly wasn’t hitting form, though in fairness there’s not much in the way of backup at Anfield.
7) Fernando (Manchester City)
A poor signing by City this summer, Fernando has been given far too much time to prove himself when the likes of James Milner could perhaps have played more games, impressing when called upon.
8) Jonny Evans (Manchester United)
Surely not a player good enough for a player of Manchester United’s size, Jonny Evans has been caught out on a number of occasions this season but probably would’ve played even more if not for his six-game ban for spitting at Papiss Cisse.
9) Willian (Chelsea)
A player who perhaps suits Chelsea’s style of play, but Willian seems to offer little in the way of end product – goals and assists – and it seems harsh on departed winger Andre Schurrle and January signing Juan Cuadrado that he continues to be Jose Mourinho’s preferred starter on the right-hand side.
10) Roberto Soldado (Tottenham Hotspur)
A goal-shy striker now out of favour due to the presence of Harry Kane, Roberto Soldado has still played far too many games considering his awful goals return for Tottenham this season and last.