The Premier League’s Most Overrated Players (2025)
Some of the greatest players in the world may be found in the Premier League, but not all of them live up to the reputation. Some receive accolades that are out of proportion to their accomplishments, while others find it difficult to defend high prices. Ten players whose 2025 performances fell short of expectations are broken out below.
It’s crucial to remember that opinions about being “overrated” are individualized and susceptible to change. Players may have a number of difficulties that impact their performance, including as injury, tactical mismatches, or adjusting to new teams. To help these athletes reach their greatest potential, ongoing evaluation and assistance are crucial.
10. Manchester City’s Jack Grealish
Even with his record-breaking transfer fee, Grealish hasn’t been able to fully defend his price tag. His impact in games has been erratic, and his stats—two goals in 25 appearances—remain disappointing.
The Englishman’s season was made even more disappointing when he was pulled off the field due to injury after only 30 minutes against Real Madrid in the Champions League. His performances just don’t match the caliber of a player who cost more than £100 million to sign.
9. Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson
Chelsea supporters have been irritated with Jackson’s inconsistent play in front of goal. He frequently needs several opportunities to convert, and his judgment at crucial times has been dubious.
Even though he plays frequently, his goal total is still low, and Chelsea’s offensive problems have only served to underline his weaknesses. Although Nkunku has since been given preference over him, Chelsea’s front line is still a big problem.
8. Fullham’s Emile Smith Rowe
Although he had a strong start, Smith Rowe’s form has drastically declined since moving from Arsenal to Fulham, which was meant to spark his career again. Following a period of success during which he contributed a few goals, he has only managed to score one goal in his past 12 appearances.
Smith Rowe was once viewed as a future England regular, but his difficulties indicate he still has a ways to go before achieving the standards that were expected of him.
7. Manchester City player Bernardo Silva
Although many people consider Bernardo Silva to be among the Premier League’s most technically talented players, his impact has diminished this season. Originally valued at €100 million, the Portuguese playmaker’s performances have fallen short of that amount.
Compared to other seasons, his contribution to Manchester City’s midfield has been less significant, and he was anticipated to step up after İlkay Gündoğan left. Rather, his contributions have been patchy, which has led some to wonder if his reputation is more important than his work.
6. Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji
Akanji has been at the core of Manchester City’s defensive problems this season, which have been obvious. City has lost important games as a result of his positioning and lack of poise.
He is not a bad defender, but his performances frequently fall short of the accolades he gets. City’s defensive shortcomings have brought to light his shortcomings, casting doubt on his standing as a top-tier center-back.
5. Manchester United player Kobbie Mainoo
Although there was enthusiasm surrounding Mainoo’s ascent through United’s levels, his performances have been patchy. Rúben Amorim, the new manager of Manchester United, recently acknowledged that Mainoo has defensive issues and is thinking of switching to a false nine position to improve his play.
There are still concerns over the young midfielder’s long-term viability in a high-intensity midfield, despite his occasional displays of skill. It could be too soon to assume that he is already a top-tier player.
4. Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku
The forward for Chelsea has been troubled by injuries and has had difficulty contributing to the league. Nkunku paid a high price to join, but his few Premier League games have been lackluster. He has only managed two goals in the Premier League, after having seven goals in seven UEFA Conference League games.
The highest level of consistency is expected for a player with his reputation and price tag. He hasn’t yet established himself as a key player in the league, despite the fact that injuries have played a part.
3. The Chelsea player Jadon Sancho
Sancho was once thought to be among the best young players in England, but his career has been disappointing. After a falling out with Erik ten Hag, he was loaned to Chelsea, where he played 22 games and showed promise, scoring two goals and dishing out a few assists. His performances, though, have declined.
His lack of intensity has angered Chelsea supporters, who have called him “lazy” and incompetent in duels. He is far too predictable because of his conservative approach with the ball and he is reluctant to take on defenders. He was once predicted to become a superstar, but he is now having difficulty defending his position in Chelsea’s assault.
2. Manchester United’s Rasmus Højlund
Although Højlund came with great expectations, his performance in the Premier League has fallen short of expectations. The Danish striker has only managed two goals in the league so far this season, but his seven goals in the Europa League indicate that he thrives against weaker opponents. He has frequently been anonymous in pivotal league games.
His inconsistency has been a talking point, and while Manchester United’s attacking struggles are not solely his fault, a striker in a top club must deliver on a regular basis. He hasn’t yet provided evidence to support his position as United’s star forward.
1. Chelsea’s Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer has undoubtedly scored a lot of goals this season, but it’s still unclear how and against whom. When his performances are examined more closely, a pattern emerges: he performs well against opponents in the middle of the table but mostly disappears during crucial games. Penalties have accounted for a large percentage of his goals, even when he does score.
Palmer has had a difficult time during Chelsea’s current bad run. He has failed to score or provide an assist in five straight league games. However, some commentators have ranked him higher than Bukayo Saka, which is not supported by his performances versus elite opponents. His lackluster performance in a pivotal 3-0 loss to Brighton further cast doubt on his capacity to perform at critical times.
In conclusion
Although these players are unquestionably talented, their 2025 season performances have fallen short of the expectations that have been placed on them. After all, football is a game of opinions. Being overrated only indicates that a player’s perceived worth and actual productivity do not match, not that they are a bad player. If they can reverse the trend and disprove their detractors, only time will tell.
