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Wasted Talent? A Team of EPL Benchwarmers

Published by Ian John on January 14, 2011

We’re often told that Premier League soccer is now a “squad game”. Despite that, some managers do seem to take this definition a tad too literally and we end up with some of the best talent in the Premier League sitting in the stands watching games rather than playing. Here’s our XI of Premier League benchwarmers who really should be getting a regular game at this level.

1. Shay Given (Manchester City) The Irishman is an outstanding keeper and would probably walk into most EPL sides bar a couple. Unfortunately for him, one of these teams is Manchester City where Joe Hart, last weekends mistake aside, has been outstanding for the past two seasons. GOOD FIT? : Arsenal : Come on Arsene! If you were willing to pay over the odds for Schwarzer, surely Given has to be worth a similar kind of bid?

2. Paulo Ferreira (Chelsea) The Portuguese veteran is now probably the third choice right back at Stamford Bridge behind Ivanov and Bosingwa. He may be getting on in years but he is still a decent full back at top flight level and should be playing on a more regular basis. GOOD FIT : Benfica : Chelsea want David Luiz and allowing Ferreira to return home would hopefully sweeten the deal for the Lisbon side.

3. Kieran Gibbs (Arsenal) The young England defender needs regular games but with Gael Clichy seemingly having the left back spot at Arsenal sewn up, and Armand Traore away on loan at Juventus, Gibbs position at Arsenal at the moment seems to be as a frustrated left back. GOOD FIT : Liverpool : Kenny Dalglish would love a quality left sided defender like Gibbs, however his chance of landing a player of his calibre from Arsenal are practically nil.

4. Micah Richards (Manchester City) Richards could have got into this team at right back, but I’ve slotted him in central defence. Richards has fallen into the unenviable position of being Manchester City’s utility defender, filling in when other first choice players are out injured or suspended. He is too good for that and should be playing on a regular basis. GOOD FIT : Manchester United – Not much chance I know but with Rio Ferdinand’s fitness always a worry, Richards would be a physically strong and competent long term solution for Sir Alex in defence.

5. Jonathan Woodgate (Tottenham) : Injuries may play mitigating circumstances in his inclusion in this squad but Woodgate has for too long been sat on the bench or in the injury room. Not even allocate a squad number at Spurs for the first half of the season, he needs to prove his fitness and soon. GOOD FIT : Nowhere, not until he has proved his full recovery from injury.

6. Darron Gibson (Manchester United) : No matter where I have seen Gibson play, I have always been impressed with his workrate, shooting and passing skills. Its unfortunate that he is up agianst such stiff competition in United’s midfield, but at another club he could well thrive and emerge as a quality midfielder in his own right. GOOD FIT: West Ham – The Hammers need a reliable partner for Parker and Noble in midfield and Gibson could provide the drive and goals to help West Ham out of trouble.

7. Shaun Wright-Phillips (Manchester City) : He’s nearer to getting a game for England on a regular basis than Manchester City it seems. Wright-Phillips has fallen way down the pecking order at Eastlands and was told by Roberto Mancini he can leave in the transfer window. GOOD FIT : Liverpool – If Dalglish can afford him, Liverpool’s need for a winger is dire and Wright-Phillips would be a decent fit.

8. Allaksandr Hleb (Birmingham City – on loan) : The Barcelona midfielder was hailed as a massive coup for Birmingham City when he signed, but to be honest, he has flattered to deceive. Some critics argue he has lost a yard of pace since he was in the EPL previously with Arsenal. That said, a run of games would help him get back to his best. GOOD FIT : Birmingham – if he can sustain his form to earn a place in midfield and that, at present, seems unlikely.

9. Emmanuel Adebayor (Manchester City) – He’s played a few games of late, but lets face facts, Roberto Mancini wants to play a 4-5-1 formation most games which means that Tevez will play and Adebayor will be on the bench. Even in a 4-4-2 the Ivorian striker is behind Balotelli in the pecking order and with Dzeko now at Eastlands his chances will be even further limited. GOOD FIT : Real Madrid – Jose needs a powerful striker to cover for the injured Gonzalo Higuain and the disappointing Benzema. Adebayor would be a great addition, even on loan for six months.

10. Niko Kranjcar (Tottenham Hotspurs) – The Croatian midfielder is a massively talented player and deserves to be playing on a regular basis, but unfortunately for him, the form of compatriot Luka Modric and most of Spurs midfield means that he has been reduced to a bit part player this season. GOOD FIT : Everton – With Tim Cahill away a while and Steven Pienaar set to leave and doubts over Arteta’s long term fitness levels, Kranjcar would provide the toffeemen with a real fresh impetus and a touch of quality in midfield.

11. Nicklas Bendtner (Arsenal) – Nicklas had not seen much action this year, despite proclaiming himself to be one of European footballs best strikers last year. At best a third choice at Arsenal, if he is to fulfil his own claims to soccer greatness, he needs to play and score a lot more regularly. GOOD FIT : Q.P.R – Rangers look like they are coming up and when they do they will need a top level striker, Bendtner is young enough and good enough to make a real impact at QPR and the regular games will do him the world of good too.

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