5 key Premier League players who should be dropped from the starting XI

The Premier League bandwagon steadily continues to march towards its half-way mark. With a barrage of talent on offer across the country, this season continues to showcase some supreme skills and breathtaking goals.After a slow start, last year's golden boot winner Sergio Aguero bounced back scoring five goals in a single game. But, an unfortunate injury has meant that the Argentine has been leapfrogged by other players on the list of top goalscorers this season, most notably Leicester City forward Jamie Vardy. The 28-year old English international has exceeded all expectations by scoring consecutively in the last eight league outings.However, there have been some glaring names that have been abysmal so far this season. These players are not only hindering the overall balance of the team but also continue to block some proficient talent who are forced to warm the bench or play out of position at their expense.Some of them have survived the axe purely on the basis of their reputation while the others continue to have the confidence of their managers. We look at some prominent Premier League players who need to be dropped from the playing XI for the best interests of their team.

#5 Branislav Ivanovic - Chelsea

Chelsea's self-combusting form this campaign has forced another one of their players on to this infamous list. Branislav Ivanovic was a revelation last season, keeping high-flying wingers at bay on the flanks as well as popping up with some crucial goals up front time and again. But, it has been a relatively different story for Ivanovic so far this term.

The English champions have already conceded a massive 22 goals in 11 Premier League outings. Ivanovic can certainly take the blame for a considerable number of them as he was continually found out against attacks due to some weak positioning, slow reactions and a general lack of alertness.

His clearances on average have dropped to 1.9 per game as compared to 3.6 last season, which aptly showcases the defender's inability to deal with the danger efficiently. With Mourinho continuing to persist with the big Serbian in spite of some dismal errors, Ivanovic's injury was music to the ears of Chelsea fans.

Whether this injury serves as a blessing in disguise for 31-year-old remains to be seen. But his inclusion in the playing XI was all but guaranteed even after his below average performances throughout this season.

#4 Simon Mignolet - Liverpool

It would be a fair assessment to suggest that Simon Mignolet has not set the goal on fire with his keeping abilities ever since he joined Liverpool in 2013. The 27-year-old has been accountable for numerous errors over the previous seasons and this campaign has been no different.

Mignolet is tentative every time he is possession of the ball. This was clearly emphasized when his terrible throw against Manchester United deflected off Juan Mata and fell nicely for Marouane Fellaini though his compatriot failed to capitalize on an empty net.

However, he could not save the blushes when he poorly dealt with a corner against Norwich City, which led to Liverpool squandering their lead and settling for just one point. With 12 goals being canceled out by the same number conceded, the Reds need to sort out their issues defensively if they are to challenge for the top four this term.

Second-choice goalkeeper Adam Bogdan looked assured in goal during his two League Cup outings this season. Under new manager Jurgen Klopp, the time is right for Liverpool to replace the shaky Belgian with the 28-year-old Bogdan.

#3 Cesc Fabregas - Chelsea

Jose Mourinho pulled off a major coup when he brought Cesc Fabregas back to the Premier League. And the former Arsenal and Barcelona man did not disappoint. The 28-year-old Spaniard was in mesmerizing form last season, effortlessly picking his passes and creating goals for his teammates.

But, come the new season, it has been a struggle for the one of the pioneers of Chelsea's triumphs last term. The return of just two assists in 15 appearances distinctly shows that Fabregas has fallen way off the radar.

At a similar stage last campaign, the midfielder had already mustered a staggering nine assists, clearly highlighting the drastic drop in his form. Not only that, the midfielder has an average of just one shot per game and one goal to his credit this Premier League campaign, which is simply not aiding the stuttering defending champions.

With Ramires and Ruben Loftus-Cheek waiting in the wings, Fabregas's position in the team is certainly not a given and if he is unable to turn around this woeful run. He might even be forced to warm the bench more often than not over the course of the season.

#2 Eden Hazard - Chelsea

A major reason for the unbelievable slump of the defending Premier League champions Chelsea this season can be attributed to Eden Hazard's tremendous loss of form. The Belgian was instrumental in the Blues winning their first Premier League title in five years, assisting nine goals and scoring fourteen in 2014/15.

However, much like Chelsea, Hazard's season has never taken off. He is still searching for his first goal this season after as many as 15 appearances in all competitions. The 24-year-old was the PFA Player of the Year last season, but he has hardly done much this campaign to convince people about his potency with the goal in his sights.

He has also missed penalties in the Champions League and Capital One Cup, the latter resulting in the Blues’ exit from the competition against Stoke City.

To add to his woeful form, the constant scrutiny of his relationship with manager Jose Mourinho will surely not be helping the attacking midfielder. Mourinho, on his part, has already showed signs that Hazard is not an apt fit in his starting lineup at the moment, having him benched for three games already this season.

#1 Wayne Rooney - Manchester United

England's all-time record goalscorer is probably facing the most torrid period of his career. With just two goals scored from 10 appearances in the Premier League, the Manchester United skipper certainly needs to notch up a gear or two.

After the departures of Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao, the onus was on Rooney to lead United's frontline this season. But with an average of just over two shots per game this campaign, England’s record goalscorer is looking a shadow of his former self.

However, Louis van Gaal continues to show faith in the player. Insisting Rooney is the best captain he has ever managed, the Dutchman believes that the Three Lions captain offers much more than goals to the Red Devils.

But with Rooney playing up front, Van Gaal has been forced to deploy talented French teenager Anthony Martial out wide, much to the disappointment of both fans and pundits. The four scoreless draws this season aptly exemplifies United's lack of potency up front and it is time the 30-year-old is dropped to the bench to shake things up.