Every club has players who don’t quite live up to expectations, whether due to hype, price tags, or inconsistency. Here’s a breakdown of the most overrated player from each Premier League team.
Ipswich Town – Kalvin Phillips
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Once considered one of England’s most promising midfielders, Kalvin Phillips has struggled to find his rhythm since leaving Leeds. His move to Manchester City saw him relegated to the bench, and his loan to Ipswich hasn’t reignited the form that made him a national team regular.
Bournemouth – Kepa Arrizabalaga
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Still carrying the weight of being the world’s most expensive goalkeeper, Kepa has yet to justify his price tag. His inconsistency, poor decision-making, and lack of commanding presence continue to raise doubts about his reliability, even at a club like Bournemouth.
Highly rated during his time at Fulham, Fabio Carvalho’s move to Liverpool didn’t pan out as expected. Now at Brentford, he’s struggling to make a significant impact, leaving fans questioning if he was ever as good as the hype suggested.
Once a promising young talent for Manchester United and Arsenal, Danny Welbeck has never been a prolific goal scorer. Despite being a veteran presence at Brighton, his finishing remains inconsistent, and injuries have further hampered his effectiveness.
Crystal Palace – Daichi Kamada
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A creative midfielder with technical skills, Kamada arrived with high expectations but has failed to impose himself on Palace’s attacking play. His lack of physicality and inconsistency in delivering key moments make him a frustrating player to watch.
Everton – Dominic Calvert-Lewin
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While Calvert-Lewin has the physical attributes to be a dominant striker, his injury record and inconsistent goal-scoring make him a liability. Everton has struggled to rely on him as their primary attacking option, and his potential remains largely unfulfilled.
Fulham – Rodrigo Muniz
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Rodrigo Muniz was brought in as a promising striker, but his inability to regularly find the net has left Fulham searching for better options. His lack of impact in the final third has made him a player who doesn’t quite justify the expectations set upon him.
A vocal leader in defense, Coady’s weaknesses have been exposed outside of a three-man defensive setup. His lack of pace and struggles in one-on-one situations have made him a liability at Leicester, where he’s failed to be the defensive anchor many hoped for.
Nottingham Forest – James Ward-Prowse
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Despite his reputation as one of the best set-piece specialists in the league, Ward-Prowse’s overall contribution in open play has been underwhelming. He lacks the defensive qualities of a holding midfielder and the creativity of an advanced playmaker, making him a one-dimensional asset.
Southampton – Aaron Ramsdale
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Once regarded as England’s future No. 1, Ramsdale’s stock has dropped significantly. After losing his starting spot at Arsenal, his performances at Southampton haven’t been convincing enough to suggest he’s ready to reclaim his former reputation.
West Ham United – Niclas Füllkrug
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The German striker arrived with high expectations, but his adaptation to the Premier League has been far from smooth. He lacks the mobility and consistency required at this level, making him an underwhelming option for a West Ham side that needs a reliable goal scorer.
Semedo’s attacking intent is clear, but his defensive positioning and lack of awareness often leave Wolves vulnerable. As a full-back, his primary responsibility is to defend, and he hasn’t demonstrated the reliability required in that role.
Aston Villa – Leon Bailey
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Bailey’s pace and dribbling ability make him an exciting player to watch, but his end product remains frustratingly inconsistent. Injuries and a lack of sustained form have prevented him from becoming the star Villa hoped he would be.
Newcastle United – Harvey Barnes
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Newcastle brought in Barnes to add attacking depth, but his impact has been minimal. He struggles to influence games consistently, often fading in crucial moments, making him a questionable investment for a club with high ambitions.
Arsenal – Jorginho
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While experienced and technically sound, Jorginho’s lack of speed and defensive ability often leave Arsenal exposed in midfield. His strengths lie in dictating tempo, but in a high-intensity league, he struggles to keep up against more dynamic opponents.
Chelsea spent big to bring in Nkunku, expecting him to be a game-changer, but injuries have plagued his time at the club. He has yet to showcase his full potential, and questions remain over whether he can truly be the attacking leader Chelsea needs.
Tottenham Hotspur – Richarlison
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Despite his work rate and passion, Richarlison has not justified his hefty transfer fee. His finishing is unreliable, and he lacks the consistency to be the main man for Spurs’ attack, making him one of the league’s most frustrating players.
Liverpool – Dominik Szoboszlai
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Szoboszlai showed early promise at Liverpool, but his influence has waned. His technical ability is undeniable, but he has yet to consistently control games or provide the attacking output expected from a marquee signing.
Manchester United – Casemiro
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Casemiro was once among the best defensive midfielders in the world, but age is catching up with him. His mobility has declined, and his defensive positioning has suffered, making him a shadow of the dominant force he once was at Real Madrid.
Grealish’s £100 million price tag continues to be a talking point, as his numbers don’t reflect his value. While he excels at ball retention, his lack of goals and assists raises questions about whether he is truly an elite-level winger for City.
