Worst XI of the 2017-18 season

The Spanish publication Marca unveiled their 'Worst line-up of the season' awards and the likes of Leonardo Bonucci, Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, among others, are included. The list consists of players that critically underperformed, according to the media outlet, during last season.

The ex-Milan captain, the German international and the Manchester United forward feature in a list of players that failed to live up to the expectations of their clubs and their fans during the 2017-18 season.

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Goalkeeper: Loris Karius (Liverpool)

Marca's choice for the worst goalkeeper of the last season surely did not take anyone by surprise. The error-prone Liverpool shot-stopper was the negative protagonist for his team during the Champions League final against Real Madrid. His severe errors rendered the Reds unable to react, giving Los Merengues first a goal lead and then letting them secure their win.

In the aftermath of the final, Karius experienced death threats by angry fans and even if he was present at the Liverpool's pre-season campaign (where he kept committing critical errors), he later joined Besiktas on a two-year loan.

Defender: Leonardo Bonucci (AC Milan)

Bonucci's performances for Milan were one of the worst among defenders, according to Marca

The Italian defender shocked the world when he decided to leave Juventus to join AC Milan last summer. The Rossoneri not only made him the highest-paid player in the squad but also gave him the captain's armband.

However, Bonucci clearly failed to leave up to the expectations of both the administration and the fans of the club. His performances rarely exceed mediocrity and his defensive and leadership abilities were often criticized.

The Italian returned to Juventus during the summer in an effort to rediscover his form.

Defender: Benedict Höwedes (Juventus)

Howedes made only 3 appearances for Juventus

The German defender moved to Juventus on a loan from Schalke as the Bianconeri wanted to add depth in their squad of defenders. However, Howedes kept struggling with minor but consecutive injuries and as a result, he made only 3 appearances for the Turin club during last season.

After the end of the season, Juventus chose not to activate the release clause in his contract and he returned to Germany. He later joined Russian side, Lokomotiv Moscow for a fee of €5 million.

Defender: Victor Lindelof (Manchester United)

Lindelof failed to live up to the expectations at the Theater of Dreams during the last season

The Swedish International joined Manchester United from Benfica on July 2017. According to Squawka, Lindelof's performances were among the worst of the United players. During last season in the Premier League, Lindelof had an average of 0.8 interceptions per game (the worst in his career) and 3.8 clearances per game (the second worst in his career), winning only 48% of his duels.

Midfielder: Mesut Ozil (Arsenal)

Ozil has lately been a matter of debate among Arsenal's fans

Ozil's performances for Arsenal were one of the worst in Europe during last season. Indeed, the German international was often at the centre of criticism. His performances were questioned not only by fans but also by a couple of Arsenal's former players, like Emmanuel Petit and Martin Keown.

Ozil was widely accused of being lazy and disinterested with some claiming that the criticism is built on solid facts and others that Ozil's takes the role of a scapegoat in Arsenal's general crisis.

Midfielder: Tiemoue Bakayoko (Chelsea)

Marca claims that Bakayoko's performances for Chelsea last season were below average.

In July 2017, Chelsea spent €40 million to get Bakayoko from Monaco after an impressive season of his for the Monegasques. However, the defensive midfielder kept on underperforming for the Blues during last season.

According to the statistics, Bakayoko's performances were indeed among the worst in the Chelsea squad during the 2017-18 season. He led his team in critical defensive errors. Moreover, he averaged a career-low of 1.3 interceptions per game and a career second-worst 1.2 successful ball clearances.

The aforementioned facts argue that Bakayoko could not justify the sum that Chelsea paid to Monaco a year ago. He currently plays at AC Milan on a loan.

Midfielder: Wesley Sneijder (Nice)

Sneijder stayed only 5 months at Nice, failing to deploy his qualities

The Dutch maestro joined Nice on August 2017 on a free transfer but failed to make an impact. Sneijder featured only 8 times for the French club with zero goals and only one assist before departing in order to join Al Gharafa in January.

Midfielder: Ganso (Sevilla)

Ganso was once regarded as promising as Neymar

Ganso joined Sevilla from Sao Paulo in 2016 for €10 million but failed to prove himself at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium. During the 2017-18 campaign, the attacking midfielder made only 11 appearances for Sevilla, scoring 4 goals and setting up another 3.

Ganso was considered a very promising player during his Sao Paulo spell where, along with Neymar, he put on display some exceptional performances that made some people regard him as one of the best in his position in the world. However, he clearly failed to shine in the higher level football of Europe.

The 28-years-old currently plays at SC Amiens on loan from Sevilla.

Forward: Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal and Manchester United)

Burnley FC v Manchester United - Premier League

Sanchez was arguably last season's biggest flop. The Chilean superstar joined the Reds from Arsenal on January and during the last season, he registered only 3 goals and 5 assists in 18 appearances.

According to the statistics, during the 2017-18 campaign, Sanchez, both as an Arsenal and United player, averaged 1.6 shoots (career lowest in Premier League) and a 74.25% pass accuracy (second career lowest in Premier League). Furthermore, he recorded 1 goal per 693 minutes as a Manchester United player last season.

Last season, Sanchez created only 10 big chances for his Arsenal and United teammates while his shooting accuracy never exceeded 40%.

Forward: Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City)

Iheanacho must make a difference this season after a very poor last campaign

Iheanacho arrived for Leicester from Manchester City for a fee of €27.7 million on August 2017. However, he failed to justify both the price tag and the expectations around his talent.

The Nigerian striker made 30 appearances for the Foxes, scoring 9 goals and making 4 assists. He recorded a 38% shooting accuracy, created only 4 big chances for his teammates and had a conversion rate of just 20%. Clearly, Leicester expects much more from the young player.

Forward: Luciano Vietto (Atletico Madrid and Valencia)

Vietto did not convince Valencia to activate the contract clause to make his move permanent

Vietto spent the second half of the 2017-18 season on loan to Valencia from Atletico Madrid. During the whole of the past campaign, the Argentinian managed to register only 5 goals and 1 assist in 29 appearances for Atletico and Valencia.

As a result, the Bats decided against making the loan move permanent and Vietto moved, again on loan, to Fulham.