Forget the Best XI - These Were the Most Disappointing Players of the Season

Defenders

Kyle Walker (Manchester City) - Once the best right back in the country and an England regular, time has simply caught up with Walker and at 34 his blistering pace is no more. His stock fell so far that City loaned him out to AC Milan and replaced him with the inexperienced youngster Rico Lewis.

Andy Robertson (Liverpool) - This is harsh given that Liverpool won the league, but there's a reason Arne Slot is rumored to be in the market for Bournemouth's left back Milos Kerkez. Robertson has previously been a reliable provider of assists and even chipped in with goals in previous seasons. In 24/25 he had none of either.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (Arsenal) - After a promising start to life at Arsenal last year, he's struggled defensively this season and has failed to hold down a regular place in the team. The good news...it led to the emergence of the talented 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Matthijs de Ligt (Manchester United) - Plagued by injuries and inconsistency, the $50m signing managed just 14 starts and has faced criticism for inconsistent form, fitness and physique. 

Midfield

Phil Foden (Manchester City) - In 2023/24, Foden was named the PFA Player of the Year. But the 2024/25 season will be one he wants to forget. He's suffered with both physical injuries and mental issues away from the pitch and City (and England) will be praying he regains his dazzling form.

Jadon Sancho (Chelsea) - Things didn't work out at Man Utd who loaned him out to Chelsea...where things didn't work out either. The permanent deal he craved at Chelsea now looks unlikely. He probably should have stayed in Dortmund where he thrived.

Jack Grealish (Manchester City) - Perhaps the effects of that infamous title celebration have lingered longer than expected. One goal in 19 games would suggest so and he's dropped down the pecking order in Pep's team selection.

Son Heung-min (Spurs) - Another who's suffered from injury and a dramatic loss in form, going from 17 goals in 23/24 to seven this season. He's been symbolic of Spurs decline and they will need him back firing on all cylinders to have any hope of surviving in the Champions League next year.

Forwards

Rasmus Højland & Joshua Zirkzee (Manchester United) - No need to look much further than Man Utd's frontline here. Both players have just three goals from 28 and 32 appearances respectively. A dismal return for players who cost a combined $146m. You can't win soccer games if you don't score goals. Manchester United have not been winning many soccer games.

Substitutes

Dominic Solanke (Spurs); Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea); Raheem Stirling (Arsenal on loan from Chelsea); João Félix (Chelsea); Niclas Fűllkrug (West Ham); Jacob Ramsay (Aston Villa).

Manager

Ruben Amorim (Manchester United) - This was a coin flip between Spurs' Ange Postecoglou and Amorim with both managers leading two of the supposed biggest clubs in England to near the foot of the table. But Ange got the last laugh in the Europa League Final, so the "award" has to go to the Man Utd man.