5 players who have underperformed this season (2021-22)

#3 Romelu Lukaku

Chelsea FC v Malmo FF: Group H - UEFA Champions League

Chelsea spent a long time last summer chasing the coveted signing of Erling Haaland. When the move ultimately failed to materialize, Chelsea, unwilling to wait, brought Romelu Lukaku back to Stamford Bridge instead.

The Belgian forward was incredible for Inter Milan in their successful pursuit of the Scudetto in the 2020-21 season. Despite paying a hefty transfer fee of €115.00 million, Chelsea were confident about their purchase. Romelu Lukaku could finally live his teenage dream of playing regularly at Stamford Bridge.

Lukaku hit the ground running when he scored in Chelsea's derby win over Arsenal. He also managed to score twice against Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge shortly after. Lukaku hasn't since lived up to expectations, and has been inconsistent on the pitch while struggling with injuries off it. Despite making 16 appearances in all competitions for the Blues, Lukaku has been able to manage just 5 goals and a solitary assist so far.

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#2 Joao Felix

Atletico Madrid v Liverpool FC: Group B - UEFA Champions League

When Joao Felix made the move from Benfica to Atletico Madrid, many eyebrows were raised at the astonishing transfer fee of €127.20 million. He was brought in as both a replacement for the outgoing Antoine Griezmann as well as an investment for the future.

Although it was always unlikely that Felix would perform in the same fashion as he did in Portugal from the get go, Atletico had banked their hopes on the Portuguese wonderkid. Felix has reasonably justified part of his price in his journey with Atletico.

But Felix has been extremely mediocre so far in the current season. He missed the start of the season with an injury that seems to have affected his rhythm. At times, he has struggled for minutes, and when he has managed to get game time, his performances haven't been up to the mark.

After 776 minutes spread across 15 games in all competitions, Felix has managed only two goals and two assists. That is well below the rate of conversion the Portuguese had last season, where he contributed to Atletico Madrid's triumphant La Liga campaign with seven goals and six assists in 31 appearances.

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#1 Harry Kane

Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool - Premier League

Harry Kane spent all summer dealing with strong speculation over a potential move to Manchester City. The move never happened, but it seems to have negatively impacted the England captain.

Over the last half-decade, Kane has undoubtedly been one of the best strikers in the world. Club trophies may have eluded him, but Kane has had no shortage of individual accolades. There are very few forwards as clinical as him, and with Tottenham having retained him, fans would have hoped to see the striker in the same form once more.

11 goal involvements in 22 appearances may seem alright for many footballers, but not when the player in discussion is Harry Kane. His poor performances become even more apparent when one considers only the Premier League. In his 14 league appearances, Kane has managed just 2 goals and 1 assist.

By Harry Kane's lofty standards, it has been an extremely poor run of performances from him so far. Antonio Conte will be hoping he can get the best out of the 28-year old once again.

Also read about Harry Kane’s Wife, Katie Goodland.