Which players in Europe’s second best competition are too good to be restricted to Thursday nights?
There are worse ways to spend one’s Thursday nights than watching Europa League football, especially towards the end.
Yet for these six players, who could be stars in the Champions League, playing in the Europa League is a waste of their talent.
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Josip Illicic – Fiorentina
The tall attacking midfielder allegedly turned down Bayer Leverkusen and Liverpool when he made his move from Palermo to Fiorentina. He will be regretting that now, as his sensational skills go to waste in the Europa League.
Ross Barkley – Everton
The Englishman made a stunning breakthrough for Everton last year, and is getting his first taste of European action in the form of the Europa League. He is one of the best prospects in English football, and will be in the Champions League soon enough – whether with the Toffees or another club.
Hugo Lloris – Tottenham Hotspur
The French international keeper is one of the best in his position in the world, and will be sorely disappointed to watch inferior custodians getting the glory in the Champions League, where he used to appear regularly with Lyon.
Gerard Deulofeu – Sevilla (on-loan from FC Barcelona)
Another season on-loan for young Deulofeu, who it seems will never break into the Barcelona squad, let alone their team. Has all the skills to play at the top level, but some doubt his physical attributes against Champions League defenders.
Gonzalo Higuain – Napoli
Higuain joined Napoli from Real Madrid, and will be sorely disappointed to have seen his side crash out of the competition into the Europa League.
This disappointment may make him more amenable to a move to Arsenal, who have been chasing him since before his transfer to Italy.
Divock Origi – Lille (on-loan from Liverpool)
Lille only sold Origi to Liverpool on the condition that he could stay at the club for another year, a decision which the Reds are sorely regretting now with Mario Balotelli’s struggles increasing week on week.