I have compiled a list of 5 players who are extremely talented, but for some reasons are not regular starters. These players have shown in the past that they are definitely up to it, but for some reason, either are surplus to requirements, or have a comparatively player better in their position, or have upset their manager, and do not make it to the squad as much as they should.So here’s presenting you, EPL‘s top 5 bench warmers this season.
5. Yossi Benayoun (Arsenal)
For the past two seasons, people have regularly said that Benayoun’s talent is being wasted at the Bridge, as he is not being played as much as he deserves, and that a loan move or a sale to another club would do justice his talent. He did manage a loan to Arsenal, however unfortunately for the Israeli captain, this hasn’t helped him much. With Arsenal also buying Gervinho and Arteta over the summer, Benayoun has been restricted to the Carling Cup and rare substitutions. To his credit, he hasn’t complained, and has taken his opportunities well, but certainly deserves more than the bench.
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4. Anders Lindegaard (Manchester United)
If a reserve team of a Premier League would be formed, he would definitely be their goalkeeper. Behind de Gea in the pecking order, but in the 3 Premiership starts, and the Champions League, he has been very impressive. I could think of atleast 7 teams in the EPL where he would definitely be a first choice keeper.
3. Raul Meireles (Chelsea)
At the end of last season, this Portuguese midfielder was having a sensational run of form. Then at the end of the transfer window, for some reason, AVB decided to buy him, and as he put up a transfer request, Liverpool had no choice but to sell. In the few appearances he has made for the Blues, he seems to have continued his form, but for some reason, is not yet fully trusted by his young manager. In his 11 matches for Chelsea, he has started just twice. It seems he would have been best off at Liverpool itself.
2. Dimitar Berbatov ( Manchester United)
I need not tell you that he was the highest goal scorer last season, that he has played a total of 150 minutes this season, and he has no goals and no assists. It seems Sir Alex hasn’t forgiven him yet for the FA Cup semi final blunder. We all know this lazy boy is very talented, but will he ever become a regular starter for United again? I highly doubt it.
1. Jermain Defoe (Tottenham Hotspurs)
He has started only 5 out of 13 games this season, and scored 5 goals already. For atleast 12 other teams in the EPL, he would be an automatic starter. But the only reason he doesn’t start in the Spurs team is the excellent form of Van der Vaart. Any hope Defoe has of going to Polkraine can only be fulfilled if he starts regularly, something very unlikely as long as he stays in North London. One can only fathom how much both the player and the club would benefit if Defoe managed a loan move to Everton, as this talented English national certainly deserves more than warming the bench!
