5 top players who did not deliver in the 2017-18 season

Modified May 27, 2018 21:15 GMT

Real Madrid v Kashima Antlers- FIFA Club World Cup Final — Benzema had a largely underwhelming season

#4 Ousmane Dembele

Getafe v Barcelona - La Liga — Injuries ruined Dembele's first year at the club

Neymar departed FC Barcelona last summer, securing a world-record €222 million transfer to Paris Saint Germain. In a bid to replace him, the Blaugrana splashed €105 million to acquire Borussia Dortmund's youngster, Ousmane Dembele.

The Catalans thought they had filled the hole that Neymar left behind by incorporating their new signing straight into the team. But things went the other way as the Frenchman endured a terrible start to life at the Camp Nou, due to injuries.

The 21-year-old picked up a terrible injury in just his second start for the Blaugrana. He was trying to flick the ball during Barca's 2-1 victory against Getafe in September and ended up tearing his hamstring. The injury kept him out of action for almost two months.

After Dembele came back in January, he was forced out of action again due to a similar muscle problem. This time, it took him another month to get fit before finally slotting into the team.

Due to the injury crisis, the youngster wasn't able to meet up with the expectations that surrounded his transfer.

He only managed 4 goals and 6 assists in all competitions during the campaign. The man who was bought as a replacement for Neymar was nowhere close to the influence of the Brazilian.

About the author

Jidonu is a European and international football news writer at Sportskeeda. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and has around 7 years of previous experience working with the likes of Tribuna and SportRaba, Jidonu has a good eye for detail and has the ability to created cohesive articles, and reporting exploits have also led him to exclusively cover the 2018 FIFA World Cup in the past.

Jidonu’s tryst with football started after watching the 2002 FIFA World Cup final between Brazil and Germany, being mesmerized by Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. Barcelona philosophy and approach towards the game under Pep Guardiola further fueled the burgeoning love for the sport, and he has been a Culer ever since.

Unsurprisingly, Lionel Messi is his favorite player and is the one true GOAT for him over Cristiano Ronaldo. The 2022 FIFA World Cup final, where Messi's brace led to La Albiceleste lifting the cup left a lasting impact on him. His love for Messi also sees him follow Major League Soccer apart from Europe’s top five leagues.

In his free time, Jidonu raps and produces music, and also enjoys reading and swimming.

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Edited by Anthony Akatugba Jr.