The Premier League season 2015-16 has been put down in English football history as the most iconic landmark, as the least favourites beat the most unfathomable of odds to win it, and the previous champions got to savour nothing but utter humiliation.
Leicester City FC rose from rags to riches, and Chelsea went in the exact opposite direction.
Such turmoil was moulded by the dazzlers like Vardy and the under performers like Hazard. In light of this, we bring to you the five biggest under performers of the season.
1- Eden Hazard- Once regarded as the “European Messi”, the Chelsea star has been one of the biggest reasons for the club’s dismal performance.
After winning the PFA player of the year in the preceding season, he had also bagged much higher hopes from fans in the following season.
Unfortunately, for him and the club, the past season brought only news of injuries and involvement in the exit of former manager, Jose Mourinho, as the Belgian took home only four goals and three assists.
2- Branislav Ivanovic– The Serbian had to switch duties as a Right Back from his usual Center Back position with the arrival of David Luiz in 2011-12.
He managed to cope very well with his new duties, but the past season proved to be quite difficult for another Blue. Bombarded with injuries, the right back struggled even in Europe, especially against Porto.
Speed has always been an issue for him, but he always managed to make it up with strength. However, this season was quite different.
3- John Stones- Another club to have had a torrid previous season was Everton. Stones was one of their underperforming players, as Martinez’s men let 57 into the back of their net.
This is the same player who attracted Jose Mourinho’s interest a couple of years ago. Gifted with a knack for the traditional rough English style of play, the British star sure hopes to do well this season.
4- Christian Benteke- Moving to the other side of Mersyside: Once regarded as one of the most feared strikers in the Premier League, the Belgian crumbled under the heavy price-tag (GBP32.5 million) that Brendan Rodgers, the former Liverpool manager put on him.
The lad netted only 10 times in 41 appearances.
Fans can only hope that Jurgen Klopp works some magic with him.
5- Memphis Depay– When Manchester United beat their arch-rivals LiverpoolFC to buy the GBP 25 million Dutchman, fans started expecting what they always do from a United number 7.
The left winger broke under the pressure of filling the ever emptied shoes of Cristiano Ronaldo. Something that almost all his predecessors including Angel Di Maria failed to do, as well. He showed only glimpses of brilliance throughout the season.