Plenty of problems or a problem of plenty

Considered one of the biggest assets for a team, squad depth often ends up as a double edged sword. On one hand, where squad depth encourages competitive battles amongst the team mates, often pushing a mediocre player to up the ante to secure a place, it also reduces the losing player to a mere bystander. No one can be blamed for citing Mother Nature’s ‘survival of the fittest’ outlook, but where does it end? In the wild, the loser most likely succumbs to the wounds suffered in the battle and makes way for stronger, differentiated specimen to prevail. In the game, the loser warms the bench, for a considerable period, sometimes even settling for the reserves. Here are two classic examples, both young and old, who have suffered at the hands of options, often masquerading as depth.

Adam Johnson

The English answer for Ryan Giggs, Adam Johnson was courted by Middlesbrough’s youth academy at the age of 10. Having won the 2003-04 Youth FA Cup with Middlesbrough, he made the Premier League at the age of 17, replacing Stuart Downing in a victory against Arsenal. Downing proved to be his first nemesis, and he spent much of the next two seasons on the bench. In October 2006, Johnson headed for Leeds for a single month, and then to Watford for three times the previous loan tenure.

Boro headed in to Championship oblivion in 2009 and Downing pushed for a transfer to Aston Villa. Johnson finally had his chance, courtesy Downing’s impatience, as opposed to his merit. Either way, he stepped up and scored 11 goals in 26 games for Middleborough. In his capacity of a winger, such a strong approach was never going to be overlooked. The 2010 winter transfer window saw him sign for Manchester City, almost a certain sign of future greatness. City were rebuilding to aim higher than the rest, and Johnson had the chance he was desperate for.

But at City, he was in the shadow of stars like David Silva, Samir Nasri and even James Milner. He was typecast as the ‘super-sub’, often coming on to effectively change fortunes, but seldom finding starts. He played just over 70 Premiership games in close to two and a half seasons, scoring only 11 goals, as opposed to the 11 he scored for Boro in a single campaign.

Leaving City was probably one of his better decisions, and his shift to Sunderland in August 2012 was a foundation brick in Martin O’Neill’s plan. He has played 34 games till date, showing his coming of age as a regular first team player and his inclusion in the team’s vision. One of the highlights was certainly the goal he scored against his former employers, Manchester City, helping Sunderland secure three points. Currently just four points away from relegation, those three seemed to have made their presence felt. Still only 25, the English winger can easily make his way out of this predicament.

Phil Neville

The younger brother of the legendary Gary Neville, and the twin brother of Tracey Neville, England Netball International, Phillip Neville lived in a shadow the size of Old Trafford. When the competition begins at home, it often spills on to the field. One of the famous ‘Fergie’s Fledglings’ which also included Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, David Beckham and Paul Scholes, he was nothing short of family at United. Such strong ties increasingly add to the flummoxing thought of his departure from the club he adored. After the confirmation of the move, he said “It was a hard decision (to leave Manchester United), but I looked at it from a football point of view and I needed to play regular football. Everton stood out more than anyone.”

Even Ferguson was in line with the thought, stating that even though it was heart-wrenching to see him and Nicky Butt leave, they clearly had better opportunities waiting for them. At United, Neville struggled after making the first team, as Dennis Irwin was higher up in the pecking order. Lee Sharpe, essentially a winger, filled in at left back, thus forcing Neville out of the first eleven. He played a total of 263 games for United from 1995 to 2005, mostly coming on as a substitute till the start of the decade. Post the year 2000, he was a more consistent figure in the team, but still playing second fiddle.

When Everton came calling, he was more than happy to shift to a squad where he was perceived as a leader. David Moyes understood his need for recognition, and he was appointed club vice-captain. His work-rate, attitude and his commitment was everything Moyes wanted and he flourished in the back-line. Just recently, the versatile player announced his retirement from club football, and putting his hat in the ring for the empty manager’s seat at Everton.

Where Johnson promises potential, Neville proves how overcoming a bad hand needs perseverance and intent. The problem of plenty will continue to plague clubs, especially those who have enough to spend on squads, which will ensure that for every player in the first team sheet, one will warm the bench.