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Here we take a look at 5 over-rated players currently plying their trade in the Premier League. Over-rated by fans, media and bloggers alike. Over-hyped disappointments who flatter to deceive, who have flopped for the majority of their Premier League careers. In no way is this article meant as disrespect to the mentioned players.
We recognise there are factors off the pitch that could impact their performances and it is not a merely a case of players being over-rated, so we hope any players mentioned are getting the medical support and support from their manager and team- mates that they need.
This article was produced by Monte Rosa and all statements are his beliefs and his and his only!
Antony – Manchester United
The bleach-blond winger has faced well-documented off-pitch issues that have impacted his performances. Since arriving at Old Trafford from Ajax in the Netherlands, he has struggled to adapt, often appearing out of place. The weight of the Manchester United shirt seems to have affected his confidence. His flashy skills have sometimes made him a target for opponents. He looks scared to go past players and the physicality of the English game does not suit him.
As a result, his goal return and contributions have fallen short of expectations. He appears to be trying too hard, rather than playing simply and effectively, leading to further scrutiny of his performances. Did Man united pay £80 million for a player who was merely a big fish in a small pond ? At the moment, looks the very definition of an over-rated footballer.
Moises Caicedo – Chelsea
£115 million was spent on the former Brighton midfielder from Ecuador, who came to the Premier League with comparisons to N’Golo Kanté, his Chelsea predecessor and Premier League legend. So far, however, the young man is more ‘N’golo Can’t.’ He has been largely anonymous this season and looks massively over-priced and over-rated, with performances that have failed to impress.
With no Player of the Month trophies awarded this year, the Chelsea fanbase remains unconvinced that Caicedo is worth the record British transfer fee they paid. Chelsea must regret not signing Declan Rice, who allegedly wanted to join, while Arsenal must be thankful they avoided signing Caicedo, who even went on Twitter to express his desire to join the Gunners. Caicedo has the ability to rediscover his Brighton form, but it depends on Chelsea’s style of play and the players around him. With fellow South American Enzo Fernandez alongside him, he needs to improve drastically to avoid becoming a benchwarmer and surplus to requirements at Chelsea.
Kalvin Phillips
England international Kalvin Phillips was a beloved figure at Leeds, thriving under the legendary Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa. However, his big-money move to Manchester City has turned into a nightmare, with the midfielder warming the bench and seemingly not trusted for rotation or cup matches. A recent loan move to West Ham United aimed at gaining match fitness for Euro 2024 has also turned sour.
The idea was to bring him closer to the final squad for the summer squad but it appears to be having the opposite effect. Sorry Kalvin, but you are looking like you were massively over-rated. I hope you can prove me wrong. He might benefit from a return to Leeds to rejuvenate his career.
Darwin Nunez
Darwin Nunez’s spell at Liverpool has not been disastrous, but questions remain over his ability to fulfil his potential despite receiving adulation from the Anfield faithful. Replacing Sadio Mané seemed straightforward at first, but Nunez has shown inconsistency and missed opportunities. And on that subject, does anybody know his best position? Is he a Centre Forward in disguise?
He has a knack of scoring specular goals and provides assists to his fellow attackers. However, he misses some very easy opportunities, at times inexplicably which makes you believe is he just really over-rated? While he has improved compared to last season, the business end of the season will be the true test of his abilities. Next season, whoever is in charge of Liverpool will need to be convinced by him or you get the impression he will be moved on.
Jack Grealish
Remember the hype around Jack Grealish during his time at Aston Villa? Gazza part two? England’s saviour Number 10? Yes, you do! Jack was the man. At Aston Villa, he played with wild abandon, dazzling fans and opponents alike before often ending up on the floor, shouting at the referee to issue a caution. I must admit, Jack looked good, but I always questioned why he didn’t score more goals.
The hype around Jack grew to such an extent that Manchester City paid a record British transfer fee of £100 million for the Birmingham-born playmaker. Since his move, he has won virtually every trophy available. It would be unfair to compare his time at City to Kalvin Phillips, but he seems to be regressing. You’d think Pep Guardiola, the Manchester City coach, could elevate his game as he did with Raheem Sterling, adding goals and consistency.
However, the only thing consistent about Jack this season is finding himself watching games from the sidelines in a training bib as a substitute. Jeremy Doku’s arrival has further limited his playing time, and you feel Jack’s time at City may be coming to an end.
Was he a big fish in a small pond at Villa, given the freedom he had to play as he pleased? He has struggled to establish a regular starting place for both club and country with many critics questioning is he over-rated, and with his off-season antics, you wonder if Jack is simply a lad who can’t be bothered anymore.
