The Premier League season has been a bit hit and miss, with the title being a one-horse race, the fight for the top four seems the only unpredictable area in the top half of the table. At the bottom, the madness continues as champions, Leicester City, look to avoid doing the unthinkable.
Yet, there’s some managers who have underused their players; to the extent where their position could be healthier in the league. Players warming the bench too often, not being utilised enough to help their respective sides, wasting away on a six-figure salary, and a summer fee which doesn’t add up when looking at the amount of games they’ve played…
GK) Asmir Begović
Of course, Thibaut Courtois, is rightly playing over Begovic. But, the Chelsea No.2 is so wasted sitting on the bench. The lad could have the No. 1 shirt at 60% of Premier League clubs; don't lower yourself to Mark Schwarzer. Image Source: Twitter
DF) Luke Shaw
Has become an all too familiar sight this season. No one knows what's going on between the left-back and Jose Mourinho - don't even think they do. Image Source: Twitter
DF) Mamadou Sakho
Another reason why Jurgen Klopp should get the chop, completely isolating a bloke who would massively help a very poor defence. Surely playing Lucas Leiva at centre-half is enough of a wake up. Image Source: Twitter
DF) Álvaro Arbeloa
From Real Madrid, to not making a very average West Ham side. Had the former Liverpool man been given a fair crack of the whip, the Spaniard would be able to offer more and help with his experience. Image Source: Twitter
MF) Moussa Sissoko
What a waste of £30million, the Frenchman's quality was shown in the Euro 2016 Final. Please play him more, Poch. Image Source: Twitter
MF) Morgan Schneiderlin
Getting more football now under Ronald Koeman at Everton, but a waste of a whole season for the Frenchman. Criminal that he was just warming the bench at Old Trafford. Image Source: Twitter
MF) Jordon Ibe
Bournemouth's record signing, yet restricted to just 12 Premier League appearances to date. Needs a run of games, and the reason why Liverpool rated the Englishman will show. Image Source: Twitter
MF) Willian
Tough to get in the team when the starting XI is playing consistently well. But, was Chelsea's best player last season, and is one of the best set-piece takers in the league. Image Source: Twitter
FW) Lucas Perez
HAS to play more often. When there is a striker debate, and you have quality sitting on the bench it seems a no brainer to play the lad. Why sign someone for such a fee, and only give him eight Premier League games so far this season. Image Source: Twitter
FW) Daniel Sturridge
Sure, injuries and attitude will forever hamper the striker. But, his finishing and ability shouldn't be questioned; needs to leave Anfield in the summer, or will continue to be underused. Image Source: Twitter
FW) Anthony Martial
Slowly working his way into the starting XI, but that should have always been the case. United's best player last season, devastating when going forward, Mourinho needs to show Martial the love he deserves. Image Source: Twitter
Bench) Michy Batshuayi
Let's just remember the Belgian cost the Blues £33.2 million, and he's barely trusted by his manager. Not called upon when Costa is missing with Conte preferring Hazard as a false nine; the scorer of 17 Ligue 1 goals last season could be off this summer. Image Source: Twitter
Bench) Wilfried Bony
Had a shocking time since his exit from Swansea. Bony doesn't look to be getting game time at any club. and will probably join the Chinese entourage this summer. Image Source: Twitter
Bench) Nolito
Proved himself to be a bit of a hothead, but the £13.8 million pound signing is looking a waste of money if Pep doesn't play him more regularly. Image Source: Twitter
Bench) Cesc Fabregas
In and out the XI too often. Deserves more of a regular starting spot. Sure, Chelsea have been the stand out team, but when the Spaniard's in the side, there's far more creativity. Exhibit A being the game away at the Etihad Stadium. Image Source: Twitter
Bench) Saido Berahino
Whatever the young lad's been smoking, this has been an absolute horror season. Just four appearances since his move to Stoke, NEEDS minutes before he becomes another England flop. Image Source: Twitter
SEE ALSO: England’s best uncapped XI highlights the struggles the Three Lions face
It would make for a pretty decent XI, and we can’t help and think if these lads were played more often their clubs might have been more competitive so far this season. Just look at that game where Liverpool got turned over 3-1 by Leicester, poor old Lucas was a sitting duck against Jamie Vardy, Sakho would have been far more suited to play against the pace. Yet, being left to rot on the sidelines meant he couldn’t be an option, and Klopp’s stubbornness ultimately cost the Reds from the start.
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