The Premier League is in full swing, and even though the season is still young, there are notable players who are having slow starts and are struggling to make strong cases for themselves. Some players can’t seem to fit into their team’s system, some have big shoes to fill, and some, frankly, are just unlucky.
Here are some Premier League players who appear to be dragging their boots to start the season.
The rise and fall of captain Harry
Harry Maguire has been a crowd favourite this season, but for the wrong reasons. Maguire has been struggling as of late at Old Trafford, and it seems like he’s running out of steam.
In 2019, Maguire made his arrival at Old Trafford as the most expensive defender to graze the field. Manchester United were eager to sign Maguire in attempt to set the tone as they attempt to reassert their place on the pedestal of football glory both domestically and in Europe.
United cashed out £80 million for the centre-back to acquire him from Leicester City, and many would say that this was a justifiable amount for the Englishman, who was coming from a breakthrough performance for England in the 2018 World Cup.
Maguire was hot off the gates, showing good form for United, and after just a few months with the club, he was named captain of the Red Devils. Maguire played in 72 of the 76 Premier League games across his first two seasons at the club, finishing third and second in successive years.
The Harry Maguire bandwagon has slowly found itself rolling down a hill in recent years. The centre-back evidently struggled to lead United’s defence, more so the entire team, ultimately forcing him to give up the armband to attacking-midfielder Bruno Fernandes.
Maguire took it on the chin and proceeded to show class and support for the club’s decisions. “I’ve done everything I possibly could to help United be successful on and off the field. I will always be grateful to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for first giving me the responsibility and I wish whoever now takes it on every success and they will have my full support.” he stated.
To add insult to injury, the most expensive defender in history was poised for a summer transfer just a few months ago to West Ham, reported to be a humbling $38.2 million, a significant devaluation from his price going into Manchester United a few years back. The deal had collapsed.
Just when you thought things can’t get any worse for the Englishman, he has been under ridicule from fans after a lack lustred performance when he suited up for England in Hampden Park for an international friendly versus Scotland.
Maguire, a half-time substitute, was sneered at by the home crowd every time he touched the ball. To cap things off, he scored a second-half own goal and immediately felt the wrath of not just Scottish fans but football fans all over the world.
The former United captain has been benched by Erik ten Hag this season and has yet to reclaim his spot in the first team.
Separate the men from the boys
The new era at Chelsea has begun, and it seems like they’re struggling with the team’s lack of maturity and veteran presence.
Chelsea struggling this season is an understatement. They’re currently 14th in the Premier League table and have failed to score in three games. The team is dealing with a maelstrom of injuries with more than 10 players sidelined, so the club is currently deploying their young guns to keep the ship afloat.
It seems like they’ve been unsuccessful in dealing with the club’s young core due to the team’s lack of maturity and veteran presence, as key players such as Nicolas Jackson’s angst on the pitch magnify their struggles.
Big-money summer signing Jackson will miss Chelsea’s next Premier League outing after receiving his fifth booking of the season in the defeat against Aston Villa last Sunday. This is a huge blow to Pochettino’s squad, as they lose yet another attacking option in an already offensively struggling Chelsea club.
“In this type of game, we are competing and want to win and football is about winning. But also players, when they are young, need to learn, and experience and make mistakes. That’s why we feel disappointed as there are too many situations like this.” Chelsea head coach Roberto Pochettino said after their loss against Villa.
“I think players like Nico who are so young and feeling the Premier League, they need time.” Pochettino added.
In six appearances for Chelsea in the Premier League, the Senegalese had only managed to net one goal.
The forgotten City signing
The former Leeds star Kalvin Phillips signed with Manchester City for £45 million in the summer of 2022, but he still struggles to garner minutes for City. Phillips has made just three substitute appearances this season, amounting to 52 minutes of action.
It seems like head coach Pep Guardiola’s style of play does not match well with Phillips. Also, it doesn’t help Phillips’ chances for steady minutes given that Spanish superstar Rodri, who plays the same position, is also rostered for City.
However, the forgotten City signing has a chance to step up and prove himself as a useful weapon for Pep as Rodri got caught between a rock and a crazy place during City’s match against Nottingham Forest. Even after Rodri’s suspension, Manchester City are still the heavy favourite to win it all, as per the SBOTOP Premier League 2023 odds.
Rodri received a red card and will miss their game against Arsenal, which opens up the best opportunity for Phillips since he joined Manchester City. He could easily produce thrilling Premier League 2023 highlights if given the chance.
‘I am not going to have just one season at City and because I am not playing say, “Oh well I have been here for a year and enjoyed it but it’s not for me”. I wanted to try to break my way into the team — even though it’s very difficult. I want to try and make a name for myself at Manchester City. That’s the reason I came.’ Phillips said.
In 13 months playing for Pep’s squad, Phillips has started just two Premier League games, a humbling total of just 300 minutes of football.
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