There are a plethora of big name stars that have spent this season warming the bench, as they are either not getting the playing time deserved – or failing to live up to their reputations – a certain Manchester United striker, Radamel Falcao, will spring to the mind’s of most.
Take a look at 13 of the most impressive benchwarmers that should walk into any side…
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Javier Hernandez – Real Madrid
Signed by Manchester United in 2010, Chicharito failed to nail down a position at Old Trafford, despite an excellent goalscoring record – netting 37 times in 53 appearances over three seasons.
This summer, however, the Mexico international made the loan switch to Real Madrid, and like his time in Manchester, he has done little other than sit on the substitute bench at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Petr Cech – Chelsea
The Blues veteran goalkeeper has seen his no.1 spot taken by youngster Thibaut Courtois this term, yet when called upon by boss Jose Mourinho, his form has shown no signs of dipping.
Cech is set leave Stamford Bridge in the summer, and Arsenal, according to Yahoo! Sport have already opened talks over a move.
Frank Lampard – Manchester City
The Chelsea legend left the club after 13 years of service at Stamford Bridge, and seemed to be on his way to the MLS with New York City FC, but shockingly signed for the Blues’ Premier League title rivals Manchester City.
The 36-year-old remains one of the best talents in midfield, and his five domestic goals, despite often only getting 10 minute cameos, illustrates just how much England’s top-flight will miss him.
Lucas Moura – PSG
The 22-year-old cost Paris Saint-Germain a whopping £44.3m, yet the winger has failed to establish himself at the Parc des Princes, with his form dipping this season, leaving boss Laurent Blanc unconvinced.
Radamel Falcao – Manchester United
An expensive flop for Louis van Gaal, the striker has spent the majority of this campaign sat on the bench, having failed to live up to the high expectations placed on his shoulders – scoring just four Premier League goals.
His performances on international duty for Colombia, however, have shown what a talent the striker really is – and perhaps the Old Trafford boss just doesn’t know how to get the best out of the forward.
Raphael Varane – Real Madrid
A promising young centre-back, who Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, according to Football Espana, is desperate to sign in the summer.
The 21-year-old has struggled to be pip Sergio Ramos or Pepe to a starting place under Carlo Ancelotti.
Stevan Jovetic – Manchester City
The arrival of Wilfried Bony, and his subsequent dropping from City’s Champions League squad, seems to have all but ended Jovetic’s future at the Etihad Stadium – and he will surely want out in the summer.
Inter Milan, have, according to Goal.com, made contact with the striker.
Juan Cuadrado – Chelsea
Mourinho’s blockbuster signing in the January transfer window came at a hefty fee of £23.3m – yet the winger has made zero impact at Stamford Bridge since arriving, starting just twice, and struggling to get in the side ahead of Willian and Eden Hazard.
Sami Khedira – Real Madrid
The German’s contract expires in the summer, and the midfielder has confirmed, as reported by the Guardian, that he will leave in the summer.
Having made just 11 La Liga appearances this campaign, albeit largely as a result of injury, there certainly seems to be no future for him with the Spanish giants.
Filipe Luis – Chelsea
The Brazilian has the excellent Cesar Azpilicueta to compete with at left-back, and Mourinho undoubtedly favours the Spaniard, having handed Filipe Luis just seven Premier League starts – despite costing the club £15.8m in the summer.
Bacary Sagna – Manchester City
The right-back must have left Arsenal for what he thought would be regular playing time at the Etihad Stadium, but the defender has failed to push Pablo Zabaleta out of the side, having made only 12 starts this season.
Jese – Real Madrid
An exciting product of Real’s youth academy, but the attacking midfielder has seen his first-team opportunities limited through competition for places from the world-class Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Isco and Karim Benzema.
Chelsea, according to the Express, could make a £15m bid for the Spaniard in the summer.
Theo Walcott – Arsenal
The England international made his return, after nine months in the recovery room, in October – yet with Arsene Wenger having signed Danny Welbeck and Alexis Sanchez during his time on the sidelines, the winger has struggled to get back into the team.
