Marcus Rashford, Enzo, Gvardiol, the most disappointing players in the Premier League in 2023

Mondo Sports Updated on 2024-01-31

2023 is not a long year for some players, but it will be difficult for those who have experienced a transfer or injury and are not in good form.

So which Premier League players are the most disappointing as 2023 comes to a close?

1.Onana.

2023 has been a tumultuous year for Manchester United's goalkeeper, who shone in the Inter squad last season, helping them reach the Champions League final and moving to Old Trafford for £43.8 million.

However, Onana made a series of disastrous mistakes in the Red Devils' game, leading to a slump in the first half of the season.

There have been highlights – such as a stoppage-time penalty saved against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League – but overall, no goalkeeper has been as unreliable as Onana.

2.Reece James.

The Chelsea defender has suffered around seven injuries this year, both large and small, and a year ago he also missed the World Cup with a knee injury, and Reece James endured a painful 12 months.

The 24-year-old England international was Chelsea's first-choice right-back and captain when he was healthy, but he is still plagued by hamstrings and will not be back until March 2024.

3.Dell. Dier represented England at the World Cup in December, but a year on, he has already missed out on playing at Tottenham.

The 29-year-old has only made two Premier League appearances under new boss Postecoglou, and has made just one start, despite his ability to play at the back and in midfield.

Although Dier started 31 Premier League games for Tottenham last season, 2024 is likely to begin with Dier seeking a move as Postecoglou has made it clear that the Englishman is not in the team's plans.

4.Gvardiol.

Manchester City signed Europe's hottest defender for £77.6 million in the summer, but the Croatian has not yet fully adapted to the pace and intensity of the Premier League, and has had little impact on Manchester City.

Gvardiol's poor start to life at Manchester City has also been linked to manager Pep Guardiola's frequent selection of him at left-back, with Ruben Dias, Akanji and John Stones all ahead of him in central defence.

5.Cucurella.

Since arriving at Chelsea from Brighton in August 2022 for £60 million, things have not gone well for Marc Cucurella at Stamford Bridge.

Cucurella has managed four managers in his 18-month Blues career, with current manager Mauricio Pochettino also doubting the 25-year-old's qualities.

Cucurella was substituted at half-time in the recent defeat to Manchester United and it was clear that he needed a change of scenery.

6.Enzo. Thanks to the performance of the World Cup, in January from Benfica ended with 10.5 billion pounds to join Chelsea, Enzo created the most expensive transfer fee in the history of the Premier League, but did not show considerable value in the Premier League.

Enzo was clearly gifted, but constant changes in Chelsea players and coaches didn't help him settle down, and he had a difficult year as a result.

7.Phillips.

The Manchester City midfielder started four games last season and won the treble with the side, but so far this season, the former Leeds man has started just one game in all competitions.

Despite failing to impress Pep Guardiola, Phillips still made six appearances for the England national team, becoming a rare player to make more appearances for his country than for his club.

With the January transfer window open, Pep Guardiola has made it clear that he could leave Manchester City if Phillips can find a suitable home.

8.Mason Mount. Mason Mount was United's first signing of the summer, moving from Chelsea to Old Trafford for £55million, but the midfielder has struggled for the Red Devils, making just eight appearances for the Reds in all competitions.

At Chelsea, Mason Mount has not started a game at Chelsea since March with a pelvic injury and further injury problems at United have deprived him of the opportunity to perform in front of manager Erik ten Hag.

9.Anthony.

Antony has yet to score or assist for United so far this season, which is undoubtedly disappointing given his £85million transfer fee.

Antony showed his quality with a brilliant goal in the Europa League win over Barcelona in February, but he managed just two goals and two assists in the Premier League.

10.Marcus Rashford.

Marcus Rashford scored 14 goals in his first 16 games of 2023 and netted in the Carabao Cup final as Manchester United beat Newcastle 2-0 to end a six-year title drought.

The 26-year-old has endured a nightmare season since January and February, scoring just eight goals in 40 appearances and losing his starting spot at Manchester United.

11.Mudryk.

Just like Enzo and Marc Cucurella, Chelsea paid a transfer fee far above his actual value for Mudryk, paying Shakhtar Donetsk £88 million.

Mykhailo Mudryk has been frustrated for much of his time at Chelsea, but perhaps his Carabao Cup draw against Newcastle this month could give him confidence.

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