Every year the standard of football in the English top flight just seems to be getting better, faster, stronger and more exciting, with players expected to perform at a higher level than ever before.
And while most oblige and raise their game accordingly, there are some who, for one reason or another, can’t live up to the hype.
With over half the season still to run, there is plenty of time for the names below to pull up their socks and join the programme, but in the meantime we’ve been less than impressed by their efforts and join our list of the most disappointing Premier League players of 2015/16 so far.
Radamel Falcao – Chelsea
This was meant to be a make or break season for the former deadly Colombian, but so far he hasn’t made a dent as Chelsea continue to struggle near the foot of the table. Having flopped at Manchester United last season, the 29-year-old should have been eager to prove his doubters wrong by firing the Blues to another title. However, his form has been so derisory that Chelsea are even considering sending him back to Monaco early.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – Arsenal
After setting the bar high during the Community Shield victory over Chelsea, the England international has done little to follow it up. Since that day in August he has failed to chalk up a single goal or assist in 15 games for The Gunners, highlighting exactly why Arsene Wenger fails to be convinced by the former Southampton star. He’ll need to make more starts in the coming months if he is going to want to change his mind.
Saido Berahino – West Bromwich Albion
Following a highly distracting transfer saga over the summer that failed to get off the ground, the England under-21 international looked set to give his admirers something to really get excited about in time for the January window. However, he has only managed to score three times since, and has visibly had his head turned by the speculation, letting it fester in the back of his mind rather than show why so many clubs were interested in him in the first place.
Wayne Rooney – Manchester United
Struggling for both form and goals. Much was made about the striker turning 30 recently, and while most other players at this age are still at their peak, Rooney looks tired and devoid of ideas to drive United back to the top. He has since been overshadowed by the arrival of Anthony Martial, and if he doesn’t book his ideas up soon he’ll struggle to justify that bumper contract he currently enjoys.
Roberto Firmino – Liverpool
Granted, injuries have played a huge part in his development since joining The Reds over the summer, but his performances when available have left a lot to be desired. Yet to score, he has only managed to notch up one assist in the Premier League in nine appearances.
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