Football is a game of surprises. Every season, some players are expected to shine, dominate matches, and grab headlines.
However, things don’t always go as planned. Whether it’s due to injuries, poor form, tactical changes, or sheer bad luck, even the most hyped stars can struggle. Here, we take a look at seven footballers who entered this season with sky-high expectations but have fallen short.
1. Endrick – Struggling to Make an Impact at Real Madrid
Hailed as Brazil’s next big star, Endrick made waves when Real Madrid secured his signature for a massive €47.5 million. Many saw him as the heir to the Brazilian throne at the Bernabéu. However, the young forward has found minutes hard to come by, registering just 316 minutes and scoring a single goal in the league. With world-class attackers like Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo ahead of him, breaking into the first team has been an uphill battle. While a loan move was rumored, Real Madrid appears keen on giving him time to adjust.
2. Alejandro Garnacho – A Tough Season at Manchester United
After an electric breakout season, Alejandro Garnacho was expected to cement his place in Manchester United’s starting XI. However, under new manager Ruben Amorim, his role has diminished. Amorim’s system doesn’t favor out-and-out wingers, limiting Garnacho’s impact. With just three goals and one assist in 22 appearances, his numbers have dipped significantly. While fans still believe in his talent, questions remain about whether he should stay and fight for his place or seek a fresh start elsewhere.
3. Evan Ferguson – From Breakout Star to Benchwarmer
Brighton’s Evan Ferguson was one of the Premier League’s most exciting young strikers last season, even attracting bids from Manchester United. However, injuries and a lack of faith from new manager Fabian Hürzeler have seen him drop down the pecking order. With just three starts in nine appearances, his momentum has stalled, and he is now being linked with loan moves to Fulham and Leicester City.
4. Christopher Nkunku – Injuries and Tactical Struggles at Chelsea
Christopher Nkunku’s move to Chelsea was supposed to be a game-changer after his dominant performances for RB Leipzig. But an unfortunate preseason injury kept him sidelined for over four months. Even after his return, tactical changes under new manager Enzo Maresca have left him struggling for game time. With Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson in fine form, breaking into the first XI has proven nearly impossible. Speculation about Bayern Munich’s interest suggests that Nkunku’s Chelsea stint could be short-lived.
5. Rasmus Hojlund – Manchester United’s Striker Woes
Billed as one of Europe’s brightest young strikers, Rasmus Hojlund’s move to Manchester United raised expectations. However, with just two goals in 18 games, he has failed to justify the hype. His struggles were evident in a recent match against Fulham, where he failed to register a single shot and had just 21 touches. If United hopes to revive his potential, they have serious work to do.
Conclusion
These seven players serve as a reminder that football is unpredictable. Talent, hype, and even past performances don’t always guarantee success. Whether due to injuries, tactical changes, or the weight of expectations, even the brightest stars can stumble. Do you think anyone else should be on this list? Let us know in the comments!
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