The Bench XI - The world's best who aren't able to get a game

CM – Michael Essien (Chelsea)

During Jose Mourinho’s previous tenure at Chelsea manager, Essien was the bedrock in the Blues’ midfield, and was key in the club’s successful twin Premier League titles. However, he has fallen out of favour at the club in recent years, and despite working with Mourinho while on loan at Real Madrid last season, has not been able to convince the Portuguese manager to hand him a regular place in his squad.

Only 30 years of age, Essien still has a few years of football left in him, but was left out of Chelsea’s Premier League registration squad this time around, meaning that he will hardly feature in a blue shirt this term.