There always seems to be some forgotten football players, the sort that genuinely never get a game and you didn’t even realize were still alive. It actually turns out that there are quite a few in the Premier League, who just can’t seem to be able to get a minute for their club.
There is however some varying reasons as to why these lads are so out of favour, whether it is injury or just a complete lack of ability, no one really knows.
Goalkeepers are often the main victims of such poor treatment, with several of them keeping the bench warm while their number one companion continues to pull off unbelievable saves every week. Asmir Begovic and Michel Vorm are such examples, once Premier League regulars who are forgotten men at their big-time clubs. Burnley and Stoke are at the other end of the spectrum, housing living legends Paul Robinson and Shay Given respectively. Lovely touch from the clubs, keeping these heroes in a job.
Alex Manninger really is at the top of the pile of forgotten goalkeepers, with the 39 year old still confident that his time will come. Looking at their current form, his time to shine may not be that far away after all…
Chelsea’s long list of defenders reminds us that former Captain John Terry and the former star Kurt Zouma simply cannot get a game for the title challengers, while West Ham are hiding Champions League winner Alvaro Arbeloa in their ranks. Marc Wilson is another Premier League stalwart who is long forgotten by Stoke fans after 146 games, now at West Brom after playing zero games for previous club Bournemouth.
Poor Stephen Ireland suffered a nasty injury and many fans probably won’t believe that he still earns his trade at Stoke City, along with Fabian Delph at Man City who literally hasn’t kicked a ball in years. Bastian Schweinsteiger however trumps all forgotten midfielders after failing to impress Jose Mourinho, a tragic tale in all honesty that will undoubtedly end in misery for all involved.
The life of a striker may seem like the cream of the crop, yet those who can’t get a second on the pitch are possibly the loneliest bunch of them all. Fraizer Campbell looks set to stay at Crystal Palace regardless of his lack of opportunities, while poor Arouna Kone is constantly living his life in the shadow of Romelu Lukaku. Swansea’s club record Borja Baston can’t believe that his one goal in 14 games isn’t good enough for regular first team place, and is anyone really sure who Loic Remy and Patrick Bamford actually play for?
These fellas, earning thousands every week for sitting on their bums doing nothing, really do have a hard life. Their lack of minutes on the pitch is nothing compared to their fragmented relationship with managers who just can’t see their shining ability, so spare a thought for these guys next time you’re watching your beloved club.