FOOTBALL STARS WHO FLOPPED
Soccer is the most popular sport in the world. So many kids around the globe dream of making it to the very top and playing for the biggest clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool, and Juventus. However, only a few will ever make it to an elite level and many faded away after bright starts.
Today, we’re going to look at 5 players who reached the top and fell away. Some got injured and were never able to reach their full potential. Others got old and their careers just fizzled out. Then there are those who just weren’t able to cope with the pressures of an elite club.
Alexis Sanchez
There was a time when Sanchez was one of the most exciting attackers on the planet. The Chilean international lit up the Premier League during his early days with Arsenal. He would score 30 goals in his best season in the club and would win the Copa America with his country. That seems a long time ago now.
After losing inspiration with Arsenal, he decided to push for a move to their rivals Manchester United. It was a terrible decision. Although he made a fortune in wages, Sanchez was an absolute flop. In short, he became alienated from the team and fell way down the pecking order. He was moved to Inter Milan.
Mesut Ozil
One of the most confusing players of all time, we still don’t know exactly how good Ozil is. He was highly effective for Real Madrid, so much so that Ronaldo was furious when he left. His reputation in La Liga meant that expectations were high when he came to Arsenal. Hence, it’s fair to say that he did not live up to expectations. On his day, Ozil is beautiful to watch. Excellent on the ball, and capable of splitting the lines, he’s got that visionary ability. However, his days are few and far between. It probably doesn’t help that he played for a team in permanent transition, but there’s a good reason why so many fans think he’s a flop. Now he’s in Turkey after his Premier League hopes faded away.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Mkhitaryan is one-half of one of the worst transfer deals in Premier League history. He moved to Arsenal from Manchester United, with Alexis Sanchez going the other way. In short, both teams thought that they were getting the better deal. Neither of them has worked out at all.
Mkhitaryan was superb in the Bundesliga for Borussia Dortmund. Above all, the Armenian showed a great eye for goal and was brilliant at linking play. However, he’s just a bit too light for the Premier League and was unable to assert himself in games for Arsenal. Just what they needed: another lightweight attacking midfielder.
Memphis Depay
Sometimes it just doesn’t work out. Depay was supposed to be Manchester United’s next young superstar, but that’s not what happened. The Dutchman carved out a great reputation for himself in the Eredivisie. France Football Magazine even called him the best young soccer player in the world.
Then, Depay moved to United and it all went downhill. The Dutchman failed to gain the trust of his coaches. Furthermore, his role in the team was never clearly defined. Many also questioned the Dutchman’s lifestyle. Finally, United lost patience and let him leave. Depay has reignited his career at Lyon. There may be hope for him yet.
Fernando Torres
During his time with Liverpool, Torres was arguably the best striker on the planet. He possessed a devastating pace and brilliant finishing. So in 2011, he broke Reds’ hearts and moved to Chelsea for £50 million. It was a shocking transfer, but many believed it would leave Chelsea untouchable at the top of the league.
That’s not what happened. Injuries affected Torres’s pace and a lack of confidence overtook him. Sure, he did have some iconic moments including his Champion’s League goal against Barcelona. However, it was a far cry from what Chelsea fans expected. One of the saddest declines we’ve seen in football. Finally, he ended his career in Japan.
