As the curtain falls on the latest Premier League season, it’s hard to find much optimism about the performances we’ve witnessed. For fans seeking a silver lining, this campaign has been a tough pill to swallow.
In this article, we present a reimagined Premier League disappointment XI, highlighting players from top clubs like Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Tottenham Hotspur, who underperformed relative to expectations.
Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)
Despite pre-season predictions of a stellar year, Emiliano Martinez’s form has been increasingly shaky. The Argentine shot-stopper, once lauded for his heroics, has now made six costly errors leading to shots on target, exposing vulnerabilities in his game. His recent blunder on the final day overshadowed even Villa’s disallowed goal, marking a disappointing end to his season.
While he’s still regarded as one of the better goalkeepers globally, Martinez’s decline is evident. His last match was marred by a mistake that seemed to encapsulate his struggles, and many believe this could be his final act at Villa. As one commentator quipped, “Prioritize self-awareness, consider changing agents before the big game, and avoid getting sent off in crucial moments.”
Right-back: Rico Lewis (Manchester City)
City’s squad has underwhelmed across the board this season, with only a few players managing to maintain consistency. Rico Lewis, once heralded as a rising star, has faced a difficult year. Once seen as a future cornerstone, his performances have been inconsistent, with moments of vulnerability in defense and a noticeable drop in confidence.
From attempting overly ambitious midfield plays to being caught out defensively, Lewis’s development has hit a snag. A loan move might be the best course of action to regain form and confidence for next season.
Center-back: Jean-Clair Todibo (West Ham)
Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in Todibo seemed promising, but the French defender’s season was marred by inconsistency. Despite a promising start, his performances waned, and West Ham’s overall struggles didn’t help his cause. The club’s decision to make his loan from Nice permanent for over £30 million reflects their belief in his potential, but recent displays, especially in one-on-one situations, have been underwhelming.
With West Ham aiming for improvement, they’ll need Todibo to elevate his game significantly, particularly in defensive duels, to justify their investment.
Center-back: Radu Dragusin (Tottenham Hotspur)
Spurs’ season was a disappointment, finishing 17th, and Dragusin’s campaign was no exception. Out since January with an ACL injury, his earlier performances showed promise, especially after a standout Euro 2024. However, his fit within Ange Postecoglou’s system has been questioned, especially compared to Kevin Danso, who has been a more reliable option.
Despite his potential, Dragusin’s season was hampered by injury and stiff competition, leaving fans hoping for a stronger showing next year.
Honorable mentions include Igor Julio, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Lewis Dunk, and Leny Yoro.
Left-back: Leif Davis (Ipswich Town)
Once tipped for an England call-up during Ipswich’s Championship campaign, Davis’s transition to the Premier League has been underwhelming. The team’s relegation to League One has cast doubt on whether Davis will attract interest from top-flight clubs this summer.
Early comparisons to players like Alfie Intrepid proved unfounded, as Davis’s contributions-just two assists-failed to meet expectations. Ipswich fans hoped for more, but the season’s results suggest a need for significant improvement.
Other underperformers include Ian Maatsen and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Central Midfield: Kalvin Phillips (Ipswich Town)
Once a key figure at Leeds United and a regular for England, Phillips’s move to Ipswich has been a stark disappointment. With a career at Manchester City seemingly over, his future remains uncertain. The 29-year-old has barely featured in the final stages of the season, with only limited minutes across the last nine league games.
This summer could define his career-whether he finds a new club or remains on the fringes. His decline from a dominant midfielder to a peripheral figure highlights the harsh realities of football’s competitive nature.
Central Midfield: Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United)
After a breakout season and a notable role at Euro 2024, Mainoo was expected to take the next step at United. However, the club’s struggles have limited his impact, and his development has stalled. Despite not being written off, it’s clear that his future may lie elsewhere, especially if United’s financial situation forces tough decisions following their Europa League final defeat.
Alarmingly, Mainoo already appears to be showing signs of fatigue, dropping down the pecking order under manager Ruben Amorim. His prospects at Old Trafford look uncertain.
Honorable mentions include Mats Wieffer, Carlos Soler, Guido Rodriguez, Edson Alvarez, Ilkay Gündogan, and Lucas Paquetá.
Right Wing: Phil Foden (Manchester City)
Once hailed as the Premier League Player of the Season, Foden’s 2022/23 campaign was a stark contrast-marked by personal issues and inconsistent form. Despite glimpses of his talent, he scored or assisted in only six matches, with a notable dry spell from February onward. A costly mistake against Arsenal further exemplified his struggles.
At just 24, Foden’s potential remains immense, but he needs a period of rest and recovery-both physically and mentally-to return to his best in 2025/26.
Attacking Midfielder: Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)
The Arsenal captain, once considered one of the league’s top attacking midfielders, experienced a dip in form this season. His influence waned, partly due to an ankle injury sustained in September, which hampered his performances throughout the campaign. Although he contributed assists in the final six matches, the overall impact was less commanding than previous seasons.
His season was a reminder that even the brightest stars can have off years, especially when hampered by injury.
Left Winger: Heung-min Son (Tottenham Hotspur)
Son’s tally of 17 goal involvements in 30 league appearances appears respectable on paper. However, watching him play reveals a different story. The once electrifying winger now appears sluggish, hesitant, and unsure of himself-lacking the spark that made him a Tottenham legend.
His decline in pace and confidence suggests that he’s no longer the game-changer he once was, raising questions about his future at Spurs.
Honorable mentions include Raheem Sterling and Federico Chiesa.
Striker: Rasmus Højlund (Manchester United)
Højlund’s debut season was riddled with inconsistency, compounded by injury and a lack of goal-scoring form. With only four goals across the entire Premier League campaign, his output is comparable to that of Manchester City’s goalkeeper Ederson-highlighting his struggles in front of goal.
His overall play has been underwhelming, and metrics such as shot attempts, aerial duels, and expected goals (xG) per 90 minutes place him among the league’s least effective strikers. The club’s supporters are increasingly concerned that they may have invested in a flop.
In comparison, Evan Ferguson’s season was arguably worse, yet the hype surrounding him remains high, making Højlund’s underperformance even more disappointing.
Managerial Oversight: Ruben Amorim (Manchester United)
Ruben Amorim’s tenure at United has been fraught with poor results: seven wins, six draws, and 14 losses, leaving the club in 15th place. Despite the squad’s hefty £700 million investment and the league’s second-highest wage bill, performances have been subpar. Early exits from the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, coupled with a Europa League final defeat, have only added to the criticism.
While the team is in transition and not entirely his squad, the expectations for a club of United’s stature are far higher. Amorim’s credentials, bolstered by a notable Champions League victory with Sporting Lisbon, now face serious scrutiny after a tumultuous first season.
