The best teams in the world have plenty of things in common, including very strong backups. This means a lot of players on their bench could start for other teams seamlessly.
This can be massively frustrating for them and leads to many wanting to leave their current club in order to play more. Here are seven players who would be starters on a number of other teams.
7. Kostas Tsimikas
Having signed for Liverpool in 2020, it was always going to be a tough ask to displace Andy Robertson. In the last two seasons, though, with more opportunities that came from injury, the Greek has shown his massive potential, which would no doubt earn him a starting spot on any other team. It just so happens that the Reds have one of the best left backs in the world, and getting his spot is next to impossible. Tsimikas only made 13 appearances in the league last season and will be hoping for more time under new manager Slot; otherwise, he may soon put in a transfer request.
6. Aaron Ramsdale
One player we know will definitely put in a transfer request is Aaron Ramsdale. After displacing Leno when he joined, many thought he would be Arsenal’s number one for years to come, but Arteta had other ideas. The gaffer brought in David Raya for what he said would be a competitive goalkeeping position, but it hasn’t played out that way. Raya played 32 games last season, whereas Ramsdale only featured in six, clearly becoming the backup. For a goalkeeper who was considered the best in the league for a time, the fall from grace has been sudden. He is now looking for a way out, with the likes of Chelsea seemingly interested.
5. Andriy Lunin
Another goalkeeper who is going through a similar situation is Andriy Lunin. After Courtois went out with an ACL injury at the start of last season, the Ukrainian stepped into his boots and filled them exceptionally. He was solid for Madrid all season and saved them in the Champions League. This led to many fans and pundits wanting to see him start the final, but alas, the Belgian got back his position. He was quite unhappy, given that he and many others believed he deserved the spot for that game. Now in the new season, Courtois is still undoubtedly the number one, but Lunin has shown that he has what it takes to become the go-to man on another team and may get the chance if he leaves.
4. Aaron Wan Bissaka
Speaking of Manchester United, they have a right back that many teams in the league would kill to have, Aaron Wan Bissaka. The Englishman was acquired from Crystal Palace and has blown hot and cold for the Red Devils. His game has improved massively, but he still has problems when going forward. This has led to more time on the bench with Dalot preferred, but one thing no team can deny is Bissaka’s defensive prowess, as it’s practically impossible to go past him. This is a trait that has garnered plenty of attention around the league from teams that do more defending than attacking, where he would be an excellent addition. West Ham currently seem set to acquire his services, and he will no doubt start plenty of games.
3. Matthijs de Ligt
At Bayern, Matthijs de Ligt was on the bench for most of last season. The Dutchman has come a long way since his Ajax days. Lukewarm spells at Juventus and now Bayern have slightly derailed his career, as he has recently been playing third fiddle to Upamecano and Kim Min-jae. He only got opportunities last season when either one was injured, making only 22 appearances in the Bundesliga. Despite his flaws, he is still an excellent centre back that Manchester United look set to bring to the club, where he will be a guaranteed starter for years to come.
2. Julian Alvarez
Julian Alvarez, if he played on any other team other than the one with Haaland, would be a starter, but fate played a cruel joke on him. He joined Man City in January 2022 and was seen to be the future of their striker position, but just a few months later, they signed Haaland, and all his hype was out the window. He was immediately second fiddle to the Norwegian, and no amount of good performances could beat the man who broke the Premier League goal record in his first-ever season. He continued to shine whenever he got the chance and even ousted Lautaro Martinez at the international level, leading many to conclude he was too good to be on the bench. He had a breakthrough year last season, mainly due to De Bruyne’s injury, but is currently looking to move elsewhere to play more regularly. Atletico Madrid have been heavily linked to him this summer.
1. Noni Madueke
We finish off the list at Chelsea, where they have so many players that even most fans can’t name them all. One of those who would definitely be starting for any other team has to be Noni Madueke. The 22-year-old is a rising talent but loses out to the likes of Sterling and Mudryk when it comes to minutes. He looks like a massive threat whenever he plays and will be eager to get even more game time so that he can show Chelsea fans what he’s made of. Otherwise, teams like Newcastle will turn his head.
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