When asked to name the Premier League players I believe have been significantly underused so far this season, the task was not as straightforward as I first thought.
After all, we are only seven matches into the new campaign.
However, one name immediately sprung to mind and, as a Manchester United fan, I can’t tell you how frustrating it has been over the past 12 months – let alone seven weeks – to see this guy hardly figure.
Donny Van de Beek (Man Utd)
His absence from most starting XIs has already been noted by this organisation.
Cast your mind back to May and a colleague said this: ‘There is an abundance of creative attacking midfielders in the team and Donny finds himself on the bench on most matchdays. The rise of Bruno Fernandes at the club has meant that others in his position either need to find a different position for themselves on the field or stay on the bench, as the Portuguese has become an indispensable member of the squad currently. Donny is a quality player and once he gets a look in the starting XI next season, he’d certainly want to make that position his own.’
That is true but, to do that, he needs to play. Surely he now deserves a chance to shine as the Dutch international has cut a frustrated figure at only being selected randomly – much to his own irritation it would appear judging by his reaction to again being left as an unused substitute in the weekend 1-1 draw with Everton.
At a time when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is coming under increased criticism, now is either the time to give Van de Beek a run of games or sell him. The latter would be a shame given he was pipped from the clutches of Real Madrid just over a year ago and clearly has much more to give.
Jack Butland (Crystal Palace)
The selection of a player who, little over three years ago was part of Gareth Southgate’s England World Cup squad in Russia, is by no means a reflection on Vicente Guaita who deserves his place in the Eagles’ starting XI and has largely been excellent for a Palace team which has impressed in recent weeks following a slow start – most recently coming from 2-0 down to draw with Leicester City.
But there is no doubt someone as talented as Butland should be playing regular first-team football, especially at the age of 28 and seemingly approaching his prime.
It was not so long ago that the 6ft 5inch Bristolian was regarded as arguably England’s best goalkeeper.
After a run of terrible luck with injuries, the former Stoke player is now facing something of a watershed campaign.
Let’s hope he gets the opportunity to shine and produce more Premier League highlights – although it may not be for the Eagles for who Guaita deserves to keep his place.
Naby Keita (Liverpool)
When Liverpool signed the Guinean midfielder for £48 million three summers ago, this SBOTOP observer had a feeling they were recruiting genuine quality.
Here was RB Leipzig’s prize asset and a player described by Schalke sporting director Christian Heidel in 2017 as being like “two players”.
The reality has often proved different.
Last season he was substituted before half-time in a Champions League quarter-final at Real Madrid with the Merseysiders 2-0 down and the eyes of the world watching.
Indeed, Keita rarely completes 90 minutes and while he gets chances, consistency and rhythm eludes him.
His talent is seemingly not in question but, without a run in the team, it is difficult to see him making the mark in the way many predicted.
On saying that, Liverpool have such strength they are not really missing him and the Premier League betting odds continue to make them one of the favourites for the title.
Calum Chambers (Arsenal)
I was staggered when I read that this young central defender actually signed for Arsenal seven years ago – I would have said about three!
Not only did the former Southampton man sign a long-term contract with the Gunners in 2014, he also made three senior international appearances for the England national team that year.
Loan spells at Middlesbrough and Fulham have since followed but Chambers is yet to fulfil the promise many predicted he would.
Granted, a cruciate ligament two seasons ago cost him a year of football, but it does appear he may have to move away from North London if he is to establish himself as a Premier League regular.
Club legend Tony Adams last week said that manager Mikel Arteta had destroyed Chambers’ confidence.
So far, he has made two appearances in the Premier League and has played once in the League Cup this season. This follows eight starts in the Premier League and three starts in the Europa League for the Gunners last season.
Perhaps a clean break for both sides is the best way forward.
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