A number of big name players, such as Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, who are reaching the latter stages of their career, and have spent most of their playing time this season either warming the bench, or disappointing on the pitch.
We take a look at 12 top players whose best years are behind them, including two Manchester United strikers and two Chelsea legends.
Take a look at our list below…
READ MORE:
Eight players who could make stunning Premier League returns this summer, including Gareth Bale
Top Ten most improved Premier League players of 2015 – with Arsenal and Liverpool stars, plus Harry Kane
Eight players who are in sensational form including Cristiano Ronaldo & Chelsea wizard
Robin van Persie – Manchester United
In typical Robin van Persie style, after an astonishing debut season at Old Trafford only two seasons ago, playing a pivotal role in securing the club’s 20th Premier League title, injury has gotten the better of him, and at 31-years-old there is surely no way back for the striker.
Radamel Falcao – Manchester United
The Colombian arrived at Old Trafford in the summer with huge expectations placed on his shoulders, but just four Premier League goals has proved the striker to be a terrible investment by the Red Devils.
Considered to be one of the best forwards in the world – Falcao, similar to Fernando Torres, could struggle to recover from his loss of confidence this term.
Steven Gerrard – Liverpool
One of the greatest players in Premier League history, but the Liverpool legend is surely not leaving Anfield how he would have dreamed.
The former England captain has been imperative to the Reds side throughout his career, yet this season Brendan Rodgers has shown that the midfielder is not indispensable.
Frank Lampard – Manchester City
The Chelsea legend left Stamford Bridge in a cloud of controversy after signing on loan for Manchester City, but with his form never having really dipped in a Blues shirt, the decision to allow him to leave is still up for debate.
The MLS will surely be a breeze for the midfielder – despite only being limited to cameo appearances this term.
Didier Drogba – Chelsea
Another of Stamford Bridge’s legends from the Jose Mourinho era – his best days are certainly behind him, yet his presence, and experience, in the dressing room is more than enough for Chelsea to keep a hold of the Ivorian.
Vincent Kompany – Manchester City
At 28-years-old some may argue that there is time, given his position, for the Manchester City skipper to rediscover his form – yet the signs are not promising.
His recent showboating on international duty hints that his decision-making could force Manuel Pellegrini to find a replacement.
Iker Casillas – Real Madrid
A Real Madrid legend, and still the Spanish giant’s captain, yet having fallen out of favour under previous boss Jose Mourinho, Casillas’ form has suffered a significant fall – and the trust in his performances has been lost at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
Mikel Arteta – Arsenal
Having spent the majority of this season sidelined through injury, the 33-year-old’s time is surely up at the Emirates, as it’s hard to envision who the midfielder could push out of the current side.
Ashley Cole – AS Roma
While his career in Rome started off brightly, José Holebas quickly stole his position, and he has been limited for much of the season with cameo appearances – becoming a forgotten left-back – despite once considered the world’s best in the position.
Nemanja Vidic – Inter Milan
With Manchester United’s defensive woes, it’s still difficult to understand why the Serb was allowed to leave Old Trafford mid-way through the 2013-14 season.
Nonetheless, Vidic has arguably come off worse from his move to Serie A, having failed to settle at the San Siro, and hasn’t impressed boss Roberto Mancini.
Andres Iniesta – Barcelona
It’s unbelievable that the Spaniard, once considered the world’s best playmaker, hasn’t registered an assist or goal in over a year.
Fortunately for Iniesta, playing in the same side as Lionel Messi has left his poor performances almost go unnoticed – but surely his time at the Camp Nou is up, with the Barca midfield needing an injection of youth.
Xavi – Barcelona
Xavi is undoubtedly one of, if not the, greatest ever passer of the ball, however at 35-years-old the midfielder’s influence on the game has begun to diminish at the Camp Nou.
Like Iniesta, his career at Barca may be coming to an end, yet we certainly expect the duo to star elsewhere.
