Several high-profile players have slipped from view this Premier League season. Raheem Sterling, who was a key signing by Chelsea in 2022 at £50m, has found himself relegated to training with the club's reserve team after just five managers took charge of the team since his arrival. Despite being a four-time league champion and England's star player at Euro 2020, Sterling is now struggling to find a regular spot on the pitch.
Sterling's situation mirrors that of Axel Disasi, who was once considered one of Chelsea's top defenders but has since fallen out of favor with new manager Enzo Maresca. The Frenchman, who won his country's World Cup final appearance in 2022, made just six Premier League appearances for the club before being dropped to the bench.
Rhys Williams, a talented young defender who played a crucial role in Liverpool's Champions League campaign in 2020-21, has struggled to regain his spot in the team. After helping Liverpool win promotion from the Championship the previous season, Williams went on to make just one more Premier League appearance before being phased out of the squad.
Tyrell Malacia, a promising young full-back signed by Manchester United last year, has also found himself relegated to the bench despite making 25 appearances in the league. The Dutchman was hailed as a key signing for the club at the time but now appears to be struggling to break into the team.
Fábio Carvalho, who was brought to Liverpool from Fulham two years ago, has failed to make an impact on the pitch, with just 640 minutes of playing time in his two seasons. The young midfielder signed a new contract last year but remains stuck on the bench, and his latest injury setback – a ruptured ACL in training – has dealt another cruel blow.
Lastly, Solly March, one of Brighton's longest-serving players, was forced to wait months for a starting spot before finally making an appearance against West Ham last April. But just days later, he suffered another injury that has kept him out of the picture. The veteran winger is now struggling to regain his place in the team after 14 months away from the pitch.
These setbacks are a harsh reminder that even the most promising players can fall short if they fail to grasp their opportunities and adapt to changing circumstances.
Sterling's situation mirrors that of Axel Disasi, who was once considered one of Chelsea's top defenders but has since fallen out of favor with new manager Enzo Maresca. The Frenchman, who won his country's World Cup final appearance in 2022, made just six Premier League appearances for the club before being dropped to the bench.
Rhys Williams, a talented young defender who played a crucial role in Liverpool's Champions League campaign in 2020-21, has struggled to regain his spot in the team. After helping Liverpool win promotion from the Championship the previous season, Williams went on to make just one more Premier League appearance before being phased out of the squad.
Tyrell Malacia, a promising young full-back signed by Manchester United last year, has also found himself relegated to the bench despite making 25 appearances in the league. The Dutchman was hailed as a key signing for the club at the time but now appears to be struggling to break into the team.
Fábio Carvalho, who was brought to Liverpool from Fulham two years ago, has failed to make an impact on the pitch, with just 640 minutes of playing time in his two seasons. The young midfielder signed a new contract last year but remains stuck on the bench, and his latest injury setback – a ruptured ACL in training – has dealt another cruel blow.
Lastly, Solly March, one of Brighton's longest-serving players, was forced to wait months for a starting spot before finally making an appearance against West Ham last April. But just days later, he suffered another injury that has kept him out of the picture. The veteran winger is now struggling to regain his place in the team after 14 months away from the pitch.
These setbacks are a harsh reminder that even the most promising players can fall short if they fail to grasp their opportunities and adapt to changing circumstances.