Ten top class players set for a season on the bench.
A look at ten big names who might not be guaranteed regular playing time this season, including quality players with too much competition at clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United…
1) Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal)
Arsenal’s matchwinner against Chelsea in the Community Shield, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has started pre-season brightly, but will surely be on the bench again once Alexis Sanchez returns to action.
2) Ander Herrera (Manchester United)
Ending last season in top form, Ander Herrera may struggle for as much playing time at Manchester United this term after the arrivals of both Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger in midfield.
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3) Juan Cuadrado (Chelsea)
Signed from Fiorentina in January, Juan Cuadrado still looks like struggling to command a starting place for Chelsea due to Jose Mourinho’s undying preference for Willian on the right flank.
4) Radamel Falcao (Chelsea)
Once regarded as one of the best strikers in the world, Radamel Falcao arrives on loan at Chelsea after a highly disappointing spell at Manchester United, and will likely be a bench-warmer again this season.
5) Fabian Delph (Manchester City)
A regular at Aston Villa, Fabian Delph could struggle like other English players before him to truly step up at Manchester City and command a starting place ahead of players like Fernandinho and Fernando.
6) Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool)
A top class player when fit, Daniel Sturridge will now face a harder time getting back into the Liverpool team due to the presence of new signings Christian Benteke and Danny Ings, plus Divock Origi returning to Anfield from loan.
7) Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United)
A superb young player, Adnan Januzaj barely featured for United last season and may struggle to do so again with more signings in attacking midfield, with Memphis Depay now his main rival for a place out wide.
8) Mario Gotze (Bayern Munich)
Despite his big-money move to Bayern and his World Cup heroics for Germany last summer, it’s been a tough time for Mario Gotze of late, and he hasn’t been starting games in pre-season for Pep Guardiola’s side.
9) Ezequiel Lavezzi (PSG)
With Angel Di Maria joining, Ezequiel Lavezzi’s place in the PSG team is now under serious threat, and the classy Argentine will need to do more to show he’s worthy of a place in the starting XI.
10) Isco (Real Madrid)
With Gareth Bale moving centrally, it remains to be seen if Spanish playmaker Isco will be as key a figure for Real Madrid this season.
