Top 5 injury-prone players

The beauty of the football is derived from the talented players who try to excel and bring the best out of themselves for their club and country there by enhancing it. The list of talented players is just endless although some of the stand out ones of modern day football include Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi, Wayne Rooney, Eden Hazard, Mesut Ozil to name a few. Besides these players there are some who have surrendered to the biggest threat that any footballer can imagine – INJURIES. Injuries limit the performances of some of the most lethal players who can change the game by themselves. Here is a look at some of those players who could have made it big had it not been for their injuries.

1. OWEN HARGREAVES

Owen Hargreaves of Manchester United receives treatment during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester United

When it comes to injuries, the top of the mind recall is highest for this defensive midfielder from England who had an excellent World Cup 2006 and a brilliant 7 years at the German giants Bayern Munich. He moved to Manchester united during the summer of 2007 and flourished during his first season at the club. He displayed excellent defensive abilities and determination which made him a key element in United’s midfield. Hargreaves sustained a knee injury in 2008, which was the turning point in his career. After multiple surgeries he failed to recover as his come back lasted only for five minutes. From there on, he did not feature in any of the games for United. In 2011, he moved on a free transfer to rivals Manchester city where he just played four games and was released at the end of last season. Had it not been for injuries, by now Hargreaves would have been the reason for some more silverware to reach Old Trafford.

2. VICENTE RODRIGUEZ

Spain’s Vicente Rodriguez (R) is tackled by Lithuania’s Tomas Zvirgzdauskas during a World Cup, group 7, qualifier match

Talented winger with a sweet left foot, outstanding technique and live wire performances in the wing. He shone for Spain during Euro 2004 and was an integral part of Valencia with whom he won two La Liga titles. Under the guidance of Rafael Benitez, Vicente grew to be one of the best wingers in La Liga. Following the arrival of Claudio Ranieri in 2004, Vicente chances were limited due to the preference of Emiliano Moretti and also due to the recurrent ankle injuries. This injury prone run continued as the player failed to regain his fitness and hardly played ten games per season. Subsequently, he was released by the club in the end of 2011 and joined the Championship Club Brighton and Hove Albion.

3. DEAN ASHTON

Dean Ashton of West Ham looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between Aston Villa and West Ham United

At 26 years, you expect a footballer to be in prime form of his career but for Dean Ashton, it was time for retirement. This hugely talented forward from the famous Crewe Alexandra’s youth system went on to be a revelation as he moved up the ranks. He managed to score 61 goals in 159 appearances for Crewe. Ashton then moved on to Norwich City where he managed to score 17 times in one season. Following the relegation of Norwich, he moved to West Ham where he impressed from the beginning. He was then called up to the England squad for a friendly against Greece and during training Ashton broke his ankle which left him out of the whole of 2006 – 07 season. During the beginning of 2007 season, Ashton made his comeback and managed score 10 times in 31 games despite of the nagging injury. He failed to recover from the ankle injury and was forced to retire following his last game against West Brom.

4. JONATHAN WOODGATE

Jonathan Woodgate of Middlesbrough reacts to a tough tackle during the Barclays Premiership match between Arsenal and Middlesbrough

Another Englishman in the list, is the defender Jonathan Woodgate who was plagued with injuries all through his career. As a youngster, Woodgate looked as the perfect centre-back that England needed. He started off at Leeds United and after a brief spell at Newcastle, came his dream move to Real Madrid. The transfer came as a shock to many since Woodgate was very often out of action due to injuries . In a span of two years at the Bernabeu, Woodgate managed to play only 14 times. He endured a frustrating time as his injuries reoccurred every now and then. Woodgate found some respite after his move to Spurs as he managed to find some game time and was not bothered by injuries. At 32, he is nearing the twilight of his career at Middlesbrough and hoping to end it in a more positive.

5. ALEXANDRE PATO

Pato of AC Milan holds his leg during the Serie A match between AC Milan and UC Sampdoria

The list still extends with the likes of Micheal Owen, Chris Kirkland and Ledley King who on any given day can make a difference in the team that which they play. Injuries curtail these talented players and are often forced to bid goodbye to the beautiful game or play in a level which is way below their potential.The Brazilian wonder kid was once regarded as the next big thing in the world of football, but he has not yet reached the level that he was expected to. Pato as he is known, was just 18 when he moved to AC Milan from Internacional. A multi talented striker with good dribbling abilities and an eye for goal, it is unfortunate that he finds himself in the treatment table very often. The reason for his reoccurring injuries may be attributed to the style of play or the quick return to the field without actually having recovered completely. At 23, he still has time to get his career back on track with a much better and modified style of play.