The most overrated Premier League players of all time

Overrated?
Shaun Wright Phillips
Poor record
Jack Wilshere
Injuries
Paul Pogba
Inconsistent
Jay Jay Okocha
Expected more
Juan Sebastian Veron
Struggles
Joe Cole
Forced out wide
Owen Hargreaves
28 games
What do you think?
Overrated?

Who are the most overrated players in Premier League history? Here are some players who failed to deliver on the pitch and were overhyped during their time in English football's elite division.

Shaun Wright Phillips

Shaun Wright Phillips cost Chelsea £25 million (€31.5 million and $33.5 million) during the same time Zinedine Zidane cost £48 million (€55 million and $60 million) and he didn't produce one bit for Chelsea despite being a regular England international, according to Transfermarkt.

Poor record

In 81 Premier League appearances, in three full seasons, Wright Phillips scored four goals and was then sold back to Manchester City for over half the price less in 2008. Despite having a 15-year Premier League career, Wright Phillips scored more than five goals only twice.

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Jack Wilshere

Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere was tipped to become the best midfielder in the Premier League, making his debut at 16 years and 256 days for the 'Gunners'.

Injuries

Injuries seriously derailed Wilshere's footballing career, managing to play 182 games in the Premier League and scoring eight goals. He retired from football at the age of 30.

Paul Pogba

Paul Pogba was a brilliant player in his heyday. However, after becoming one of the most expensive transfers in Premier League history, Pogba didn't produce the goods that £93 million (€108 million and $116 million) should get you.

Inconsistent

According to the Peakd website, Pogba grabbed 29 goals and provided 38 assists in 157 Premier League games, but his performances were far too inconsistent, winning only the EFL Cup and the Europa League. He went back to Juventus on a free, but is currently a free agent.

Jay Jay Okocha

Jay Jay Okocha, the man they say was so good they named him twice. Despite the fact his skills and unique ability were a joy to watch, the Nigerian winger never produced when it mattered for Bolton in the Premier League.

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Expected more

Transfermarkt reports Okocha scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists in 124 games for Bolton Wanderers, but more was expected after he became the most expensive African player ever in 1998.

Juan Sebastian Veron

Signed for a record transfer fee of £28 million (€32 million and $35 million) in 2001 by Manchester United, Sebastian Veron flopped terribly for United and was sold to Chelsea just two seasons after joining for a record fee.

Struggles

He played only 14 games for Chelsea and scored one goal after leaving United due to struggles to get into the team, with David Beckham, Roy Keane, and Paul Scholes all playing in their primes.

Joe Cole

According to the Peakd website, Joe Cole was supposed to be the 'Next Gazza', but with all the skill, flair, and dribbling, Cole never fully reached his potential in Chelsea's domination under Jose Mourinho.

Forced out wide

Despite winning three Premier League titles and an FA Cup, Cole's career was riddled with injuries. His injuries worsened his creative spark, forcing Mourinho to play him out wide and not in his comfortable attacking midfield role.

Owen Hargreaves

Labeled as one of the disappointing signings under Sir Alex Ferguson, midfielder Owen Hargreaves was tasked with taking over Roy Keane's position in the Manchester United midfield, but he could hardly ever play.

28 games

Hargreaves joined United for £17 million (€19.5 million and $21 million) in 2007, but he managed only 28 games in four seasons before retiring because of his injury struggles. He played more games for England (42) than for United.

What do you think?

Who would you say is the most overrated Premier League player of all time?

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