The Premier League can sometimes throw up talents who are just too good for the team that they play in. Think about Carlos Tevez at West Ham or N’Golo Kante at Leicester. Such players were a cut above the rest and they took their games to another level after moving to bigger clubs.
While it is a bit harsh to claim that their clubs don’t deserve these players, the truth is that they can perform consistently and need better teams to facilitate their natural talent. Here are five players in the Premier League who deserve better clubs:
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
When he was afforded his chance at a big club, Loftus-Cheek could not live up to expectations. His time at Chelsea was mired with inconsistent performances that did not warrant a starting spot in the team.
However, post his transfer to Crystal Palace, he has found his ideal spot – the hole that lies behind the striker has allowed him to use his strength to the fullest.
His performances have earned him a call-up to Russia where he will try to earn a spot in the England starting XI. With consistency, he will be able to take his game up a notch.
Idrissa Gueye
The fact that Gueye’s numbers for interceptions (144) and tackles (141) in the 2016/17 PL season was better than the PFA Player of the Year, Kante, speaks volumes. While he has not been able to replicate the same form over the past season, he managed to stand out despite Everton’s poor run in the first half of the season.
Gueye is a fantastic runner and a team player who puts his body on the line. His pace and power coupled with his ability to stop opposition attacks make him an asset to any team and he might find suitors after the World Cup.
Marc Albrighton
Albrighton has been a silent beacon of hope in a highly inconsistent Leicester City side. Despite his team’s failure to rise after that fantastic 2015/16 season, Albrighton has seldom seen his performances drop. His defensive contributions too have helped Leicester stay in the mix for a top-10 finish.
Albrighton contributes to the attack as well, having had 7 assists and 2 goals in an otherwise lacklustre season for the Foxes.
Nick Pope
From being a substitute to booking a place to Russia, Nick Pope has been at the forefront of a fantastic season for Burnley. Pope capitalised on his opportunity following Tom Heaton’s injury and his 12 clean sheets and 114 saves helped Burnley’s 7th-place finish this season.
While this has been the breakthrough season for the 26-year-old, Pope has the talent to make it big.
Jamaal Lascelles
One of the major reasons for Newcastle staying up this year has been the form of their captain and centre-back, Jamaal Lascelles. The young Englishman has had a fantastic year for the Geordies.
He has the ability at the top level and his natural leadership qualities would see him fit in well at any of the bigger clubs. Lascelles could take his game to the next level if he moves to a bigger club.
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