The topic of “overrated” players in the Premier League is highly subjective and varies based on individual opinions, performances, and expectations. While opinions are always shifting with time and performances, looking back at the 2019-20 Premier League season, several players faced criticism, despite being hyped or having high price tags. Here are five players who were considered overrated during that specific period, even though their standing might have changed since then.
1. Paul Pogba (Manchester United)
Paul Pogba is one of the most talented and polarizing figures in world football, and his time at Manchester United has been marked by periods of brilliance and inconsistency. Despite his undeniable talent, Pogba’s performances during the 2019-20 season led to mixed reviews. While he was injured for much of that campaign, some critics questioned whether his contributions on the pitch justified his hefty price tag and reputation. Pogba’s world-class status was never in doubt, but his influence on matches during that season was frequently questioned.
Fans and pundits expected Pogba to dominate midfield battles, dictate play, and provide more goals and assists, but his form and consistency were often lacking. Supporters of the Frenchman argue that his struggles were due to injuries and the team’s overall instability during that time, but others felt that his potential wasn’t being fully realized at Old Trafford.
2. Mesut Özil (Arsenal)
During the 2019-20 season, Mesut Özil was another player who found himself embroiled in discussions about being overrated. At his peak, Özil was one of the best playmakers in the world, known for his exceptional vision and passing ability. However, by the 2019-20 season, Özil’s performances were far from consistent, and his work rate and defensive contributions were regularly questioned.
His high wages and perceived lack of effort on the pitch led to frustration among Arsenal fans. Many believed that his creative brilliance was not enough to justify his place in the team, especially as his influence waned during matches. Despite this, Özil still had a loyal fanbase that valued his creative flair, but for some, his impact no longer matched his reputation or the hefty salary he was earning.
3. Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur)
Dele Alli burst onto the scene with Tottenham Hotspur and quickly became one of the Premier League’s rising stars, known for his attacking runs and knack for scoring important goals. However, by the 2019-20 season, Alli’s form had dipped significantly. His inconsistency on the pitch led to discussions about whether he was living up to his early promise.
While still capable of moments of brilliance, Alli struggled to maintain the same level of performance that had made him a fan favorite earlier in his career. His impact in key games was limited, and his overall contribution to the team was called into question. Some felt that Alli had peaked too early and that his performances were no longer befitting of the hype surrounding him during his breakthrough years.
4. Jesse Lingard (Manchester United)
Jesse Lingard was another Manchester United player who faced significant criticism during the 2019-20 season. Lingard had enjoyed periods of success earlier in his career, but by that campaign, his output in terms of goals and assists had diminished drastically. He went through the entire calendar year of 2019 without registering a goal or assist in the Premier League, which led to questions about his place in the squad.
Lingard’s work ethic and movement off the ball were often praised, but his lack of end product in the final third made him a target for criticism. Fans and pundits alike questioned whether Lingard should remain a regular starter for Manchester United, especially with the club striving to regain its place among the Premier League’s elite.
5. Nicolas Pépé (Arsenal)
Nicolas Pépé arrived at Arsenal in the summer of 2019 for a club-record fee of £72 million, which brought with it high expectations. The Ivorian winger had impressed in Ligue 1 with Lille, but his first season in the Premier League was inconsistent. Pépé showed flashes of his potential, with moments of brilliance, including dribbling skills and long-range goals. However, he often struggled with consistency and decision-making in key moments.
Some Arsenal fans remained patient with Pépé, attributing his struggles to the adaptation period many players go through when moving to the Premier League. However, others felt that his performances did not justify the significant investment made in him. By the end of the 2019-20 season, opinions were divided, with some labeling him overrated based on the high transfer fee and the underwhelming returns on the pitch.
Conclusion
The label of “overrated” is often a harsh one, and in football, it’s heavily influenced by expectations, hype, and the performances of a player. During the 2019-20 season, players like Paul Pogba, Mesut Özil, Dele Alli, Jesse Lingard, and Nicolas Pépé were all subject to criticism for various reasons, whether it was inconsistency, injuries, or the failure to live up to their potential.
It’s important to note that these players all possess immense talent, and their form can fluctuate from season to season. What may have seemed like an underwhelming performance in 2019-20 could turn around in future campaigns, highlighting how subjective the term “overrated” can be.