10 footballers who never fulfilled their potential

#9 - Ariel Ortega:

Ariel Ortega of Argentina runs with the ball

Just like his compatriot Riquelme, Ariel Ortega was one of the most gifted players in the world. With his close control, play-making skills, finishing and speed, he was magical by all means. Despite impressing at Valencia and Sampdoria in Europe, his attitude always caused him problems, and European clubs quickly had enough of him.

A return to Argentina followed, before he eventually retired at River Plate, having won a total of seven league titles and one Copa Libertadores.

But anyone who followed Ariel in his early beginnings knows that this is still too little for someone who had such massive potential.

#8 - Sebastian Deisler:

Sebastian Deisler vs Argentina

Once upon a time, Sebastian Deisler was hailed as the biggest German talent, and as the future of German football. As a matter of fact, Deisler was worth the hype.

He had the ability to turn a game upside down-down, thanks to his remarkable dribbling skills, pace and creativity. But unlike Riquelme and Ortega, the essential reason that stopped him from developing is injury.

After signing for FC Bayern in 2002, Deisler was considered a huge addition to the Bavarian giants, but would go on to only feature in 62 league games in between his arrival and the year of his retirement, 2007, at the age of 27. A tragic ending to what could have been a sensational player.