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Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Forget the Best XI - These Were the Most Disappointing Players of the Season
Forget the Best XI - These Were the Most Disappointing Players of the Season originally appeared on Athlon Sports. It's at this time of the year that journalists roll out their "Team of the Season" picks, with Salah, Palmer, Isak etc leading the way. But just as disappointed in the Premier League in 2024/25? Advertisement It would be tempting to simply pick the entire Southampton team, with a few Ipswich and Leicester players thrown in for good measure. But here at Athlon Sports, we're not interested in the relegation duds upon whom nothing was expected (and who over-delivered on that metric). Instead, here's our list of "good" players who one might have expected to shine but instead spectacularly failed to live up to their price tag or previous form. Note, a player had to have played at least 10 games to make the cut. Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez (Chelsea) - A close second was Manchester United's André Onana, a man capable of the the spectacularly bad. But Chelsea have spent nearly $200m on goalkeepers in the last six years, only to end up with Sanchez who has made five errors leading to goals and has built an unfortunate reputation for flapping at crosses and giving away possession. Defenders Kyle Walker (Manchester City) - Once the best right back in the country and an England regular, time has simply caught up with Walker and at 34 his blistering pace is no more. His stock fell so far that City loaned him out to AC Milan and replaced him with the inexperienced youngster Rico Lewis. Advertisement Andy Robertson (Liverpool) - This is harsh given that Liverpool won the league, but there's a reason Arne Slot is rumored to be in the market for Bournemouth's left back Milos Kerkez. Robertson has previously been a reliable provider of assists and even chipped in with goals in previous seasons. In 24/25 he had none of either. Oleksandr Zinchenko (Arsenal) - After a promising start to life at Arsenal last year, he's struggled defensively this season and has failed to hold down a regular place in the team. The good led to the emergence of the talented 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly. Matthijs de Ligt (Manchester United) - Plagued by injuries and inconsistency, the $50m signing managed just 14 starts and has faced criticism for inconsistent form, fitness and physique. Midfield Phil Foden (Manchester City) - In 2023/24, Foden was named the PFA Player of the Year. But the 2024/25 season will be one he wants to forget. He's suffered with both physical injuries and mental issues away from the pitch and City (and England) will be praying he regains his dazzling form. Advertisement Jadon Sancho (Chelsea) - Things didn't work out at Man Utd who loaned him out to things didn't work out either. The permanent deal he craved at Chelsea now looks unlikely. He probably should have stayed in Dortmund where he thrived. Jack Grealish (Manchester City) - Perhaps the effects of that infamous title celebration have lingered longer than expected. One goal in 19 games would suggest so and he's dropped down the pecking order in Pep's team selection. Son Heung-min (Spurs) - Another who's suffered from injury and a dramatic loss in form, going from 17 goals in 23/24 to seven this season. He's been symbolic of Spurs decline and they will need him back firing on all cylinders to have any hope of surviving in the Champions League next year. Forwards Rasmus Højland & Joshua Zirkzee (Manchester United) - No need to look much further than Man Utd's frontline here. Both players have just three goals from 28 and 32 appearances respectively. A dismal return for players who cost a combined $146m. You can't win soccer games if you don't score goals. Manchester United have not been winning many soccer games. Substitutes Dominic Solanke (Spurs); Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea); Raheem Stirling (Arsenal on loan from Chelsea); João Félix (Chelsea); Niclas Fűllkrug (West Ham); Jacob Ramsay (Aston Villa). Manager Ruben Amorim (Manchester United) - This was a coin flip between Spurs' Ange Postecoglou and Amorim with both managers leading two of the supposed biggest clubs in England to near the foot of the table. But Ange got the last laugh in the Europa League Final, so the "award" has to go to the Man Utd man. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Five Premier League players whose form declined in 2024/25
While the 2024/25 Premier League season was one to celebrate for many, there are some who will be keen to see the end of the campaign. For some, it was a season in which they failed to reach previous heights. There's an old age saying in football that form is temporary and class is permanent, a sentiment this group will be hoping is true ahead of next season. Advertisement We've looked at five Premier League players who regressed in 2024/25. Five Premier League players whose form declined in 2024/25 Phil Foden (Manchester City) Last season saw Phil Foden fulfil the potential that had long been Manchester City's worst-kept secret. The homegrown jewel stepped out of the shadow of Kevin De Bruyne to inspire the club's title success, claiming the PFA Player of the Year and FWA Footballer of the Year awards in the process. Foden scored 27 goals in all competitions in 2023/24 but was unable to replicate those returns this time around. The 24-year-old scored a respectable 10 goals in 45 games but lacked the star quality that had defined the previous year. He didn't score his first league goal until December and spent the second half of the campaign on the fringes of the team. A niggling ankle issue and off-the-field issues have impacted Foden's form, while there's a suggestion of burn-out. Foden has played a lot of football since bursting onto the scene as a teenager and needs a summer of recovery to come again. Rasmus Hojlund (Manchester United) Rasmus Hojlund handled the demands of his £72m price tag well enough in season one, scoring 16 goals in all competitions during an encouraging debut campaign at Manchester United. For a novice forward in just his second season in a top-five league, it was viewed as a promising sign of things to come. Advertisement Fast forward a year and Hojlund's future is uncertain. The Denmark international managed just four league goals and looked visibly overwhelmed by the pressure at Old Trafford. In a struggling side, he floundered, with his hold-up play poor and confidence clearly impacted. Manchester United were the fifth-lowest scorers in the Premier League in 2024/25 and are in the market for at least one centre-forward this summer. A potential return to Serie A has been mooted for Hojlund. Raheem Sterling (Arsenal) When Raheem Sterling signed for Arsenal last summer, the winger promised the Gunners would see 'the best' of him. It hasn't turned out to be the case and Sterling's best has not been seen for quite some time. Advertisement His two seasons at Chelsea were viewed as underwhelming, but even they look impressive in comparison to his 2024/25. Sterling scored just once in 27 games for Arsenal – in a League Cup win over third-tier Bolton – and failed to break into the side despite injuries sidelining multiple attacking options. On high wages and with a contract until 2027, Chelsea could have trouble offloading the 30-year-old. Andy Robertson (Liverpool) It feels harsh to nominate a player who made 33 league appearances for the runaway title winners, but Andy Robertson is a victim of his own sky-high standards. The Scotland captain's decline has been over-exaggerated at times this season, though Robertson's full-throttle football has slowed. Uncharacteristic mistakes have crept into his game as a result, while the 31-year-old provided just a single Premier League assist. While an Anfield exit would surprise, Liverpool appear to be pushing ahead with a succession plan. Talks are ongoing to sign Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez. Mohammed Kudus (West Ham) Mohammed Kudus was one of the signings of the season last campaign, with the Ghana international scoring 14 goals for West Ham in 2023/24. He led Europe's top five leagues for successful take-ons and claimed the club's Goal of the Season with a stunning individual effort in Europe. Advertisement A fan favourite, he's looked a poor imitation of that player this time around. Kudus mustered just five goals for the campaign as West Ham limped to a 14th-place finish. There's understood to be transfer interest in Kudus this summer, though suitors may have reservations over activating his £85m release clause based on his inconsistency this season. Read – Our Premier League Team of the Season for 2024/25 See Also – The best goals of the 2024/25 Premier League season Follow The Football Faithful on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok
Daily Mirror
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Pep Guardiola confirms Man City stance on Phil Foden after star's admission
Pep Guardiola says that Manchester City will offer Phil Foden their full support after he opened on his mental and physical struggles following a difficult season Pep Guardiola has assured Phil Foden that he's ready to do whatever it takes to nurse him back to health both physically and mentally. The Manchester City midfielder has been left out of the England squad for the World Cup qualifier against Andorra and the friendly with Senegal after sending a plea to Thomas Tuchel about needing a rest. The 24-year-old has been a shadow of the player that was named FWA Footballer of the Year and PFA Player of the Year last season and has admitted that he's been plagued by an ankle injury and mental burn-out. Guardiola has named Foden in the squad for a final-day visit to Fulham from which City need a point to guarantee Champions League qualification - and that the Stockport-born academy graduate will be going to the Club World Cup in the United States next month. But the City boss said: 'Phil is family for us. He's come from being a baby boy from the academy to be a star with us. We want to help him, that's the most important thing. He needs rest - and it's going to happen after Sunday. 'Step by step he comes back and we want to help him. I don't care about his performances, I want him to feel good and the rest will come. In principle, he will come to America.' City moved into third place by beating Bournemouth on Tuesday night and their superior goal difference means a point at Craven Cottage is likely to be enough to take them back into the Champions League. Guardiola insisted he was joking when he suggested after the 3-1 win over the Cherries that he would quit the Etihad if new sporting director Hugo Viana attempts to build a bigger squad this summer after seeing City's season undermined by injuries. But he did admit that his players are now facing a make-or-break game that will have consequences for the future. Guardiola said: 'I was laughing when I said that - I'm not going to quit. But the expression is the same: I don't want players at home when the team is playing. 'Everyone needs the chance to compete. Injuries, if they happen, are a big problem but we expect next season to be different. In the last three weeks or a month, four or five players sitting at home is not healthy for any of us, for the club, me, anyone. The club knows it and agrees with me, we're going to find the best way for all of us. 'This is by far the biggest game of the season. It's really important and Fulham are an exceptional team. Wow, it will be a tough game. 'If we don't get it (the result) then I will tell you afterwards what will happen. We must also think about what happens if we are in the Champions League.' Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Daily Mirror
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Bale sums up Man Utd woes with Alex Ferguson claim - 'Not to be horrible'
Gareth Bale could've moved to Manchester United before ultimately opting to sign for Real Madrid with Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement playing a major factor in his decision Gareth Bale admits the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson was a major factor in him opting to snub Manchester United and join Real Madrid. In 2013 the Welshman made a then world-record move to the Spanish giants. Bale had just been named the PFA Player of the Year for the second time with a number of the world's biggest clubs circling. Those in Manchester looked to land the forward, but they were soon in the midst of searching for a new manager after Ferguson confirmed he was calling it a day. Had the Scot remained at the helm then Bale admits he'd have had more of a decision to make, but his departure meant that Real were always frontrunners in his mind. The Welshman also concedes that United's squad was ageing and he feared for what the future would hold and his decision to head to Spain was quickly justified as he claimed the Champions League in his first season. He told talkSPORT: 'It was a couple of times I was close to joining but it never quite materialised. I think the closest was when I actually joined Madrid. It was between United and Real, and at the time Fergie had left, so it didn't quite have that aura. 'I think the team was ageing a little bit so I felt like I'd always had my heart set on Madrid anyway. I feel like I made the right decision in the end, not to be horrible to Man Utd fans, I feel I made the right choice. 'I think it would have definitely been a bigger factor (if Fergie had stayed). Having such a legendary manager, somebody with that kind of pedigree who you kind of trust with your career. It definitely would have made the decision a lot harder but ultimately he wasn't (staying), so it was more of a simple decision for me.' Bale's CV would blossom throughout his time in the Spanish capital. When he left he'd won La Liga on three occasions and lifted the European Cup on five occasions before seeing out his career in Los Angeles. United's transfer success has plummeted since Ferguson's exit. They've spent huge sums on players, many of whom have underdelivered. Meanwhile they also missed out on several major targets - in the period immediately after Ferguson's retirement the club tried and failed to sign the likes of Bale, Cesc Fabregas and Toni Kroos.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Foden could ask to be left off Tuchel's latest England squad because of mental and physical struggles
Manchester City attacker Phil Foden wants to take some time off to recover from the mental and physical strain he has been dealing with. The 24-year-old could ask to be left off Thomas Tuchel's latest England squad as the Three Lions prepare to take on Andorra in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and Senegal in a friendly in June. Foden was the PFA Player of the Year and Premier League Player of the Season last term, but has grossly underperformed for Man City this season. He might need some time away to recover. Foden said (via The Mirror): 'It's been a frustrating season for me. I have had a lot of things going on off the pitch mentally. It is one of them. 'Sometimes, there's things in life that are bigger than football. This season, I have struggled a little bit. 'Hopefully, come next year, I can get my head mentally right and get back where I left off the season before, because I know what I am capable of doing and the quality I have. 'Obviously, it is a difficult situation for me with the internationals right around the corner. 'It is something we have to speak about with the club and national team to see if it is better to rest and get my ankle fully 100 per cent back, how I want it.' Foden's honesty about his struggles is commendable, and time away is the right move for his well-being, but his England career could be slipping away. For all his talent, Foden has not delivered on the international stage. His England performances do not have the same spark he shows in a Manchester City shirt. The Stockport-born star had two unremarkable showings in the last internationals in March. This absence (even if justified) opens the door for a host of hungry contenders. Bukayo Saka, Jarrod Bowen, Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Eberechi Eze, Anthony Gordon, Jacob Murphy, and Marcus Rashford are all challenging for his starting berth. The competition for places is relentless. England's attacking midfield and wide roles are arguably more stacked now than they have ever been. A few weeks off might help him reset, but it could also prove costly. Foden's spot is no longer guaranteed. He will return, no doubt, but whether that return is to a starting XI shirt or a spot on the bench remains to be seen.
