Six Premier League Stars Who Unexpectedly Lost Their Starting Spots This Season
As the football world gradually adapts to post-pandemic rhythms, few anticipated a flurry of changes during the 2022 January transfer window—especially outside the trendsetters at Newcastle United. But that window brought unforeseen excitement and a ripple effect, as several standout Premier League players found themselves relegated to the bench through little fault of their own. This article explores six high-profile Premier League players who, despite strong individual campaigns, abruptly found themselves no longer in their teams’ starting elevens.
The Changing Landscape of Premier League Selections
Squad rotation and unexpected signings are part and parcel of modern football, but this season has spotlighted players losing their places under circumstances seemingly beyond their control. Here’s a closer look at some of the most notable examples.
Matt Targett: From Key Defender to Forgotten Man
Matt Targett began the season as a cornerstone of Aston Villa’s backline, having no real competition at left-back. Over the course of his Villa career, he continually developed, particularly excelling in attacking contributions and improving defensively. By the time he left Villa, Targett had posted impressive per-90 metrics such as:
– Progressive passes into the final third: 4.21
– Key passes: 1.38
– Passes into the box: 1.45
– Tackles and interceptions: 4.15
– Blocks: 2.77
Despite playing at his peak since joining the club, Targett’s trajectory shifted dramatically when Villa acquired Lucas Digne from Everton. Digne’s established reputation meant that Targett was quickly displaced. Fortunately, Newcastle United seized the opportunity, and Targett has since revitalized his career, building on the metrics that defined his progress at Villa. Still, the swiftness of his demotion raised plenty of questions about the nature of squad selection at the top level.
Lucas Moura: Overshadowed at Tottenham by New Arrivals
Lucas Moura was quick to flourish under Antonio Conte’s management at Tottenham Hotspur. Conte deployed him in a tailored role as an inverted winger, making Moura a key element alongside Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son. During the Italian’s first 10 matches, Moura delivered 4 goals and 3 assists, thriving in both creative and supporting capacities.
However, Spurs’ January acquisition of the highly touted Swedish winger Dejan Kulusevski changed the equation. Kulusevski adapted quickly, matching much of Moura’s productivity with an added dimension to Tottenham’s attack. His energetic off-ball movement and pressing game suited Conte’s tactical evolution, ultimately relegating Moura to a secondary role. While Moura’s work ethic ensures he’ll keep pushing to reclaim his spot, his initial exclusion seemed a harsh reward given his early season form.
Diogo Jota: A Victim of Liverpool’s Reinforcements
Few expected Diogo Jota, who was among the Premier League’s top scorers at the time, to be dropped from Liverpool’s starting lineup. Jota had emerged as a versatile and prolific attacker, fitting seamlessly into the club’s famed forward trio. However, Liverpool’s swift recruitment of Luis Diaz from the Portuguese Liga NOS altered the dynamic. Diaz brought directness and flair from the wing, making a near-instant impact and quickly becoming central to Jürgen Klopp’s plans.
To complicate matters, Jota suffered a minor injury just as Diaz arrived. Simultaneously, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah returned from African Cup of Nations duties and found top form, further limiting Jota’s opportunities. While Diaz’s performances have justified his immediate integration, Jota’s situation highlights how quickly fortunes can change even for the brightest stars.
Ilkay Gundogan: Surplus in Manchester City’s Midfield
Ilkay Gundogan was Manchester City’s top scorer during the previous campaign—a rare feat for a midfielder—and was pivotal in the club’s successful use of a false nine system. In 2020/21, he scored 13 goals in 28 Premier League matches, transforming perceptions of his role. This season, he continued to notch impressive numbers, including 5 goals and 4 assists after 20 matches—his highest assist tally since moving from Borussia Dortmund.
Nonetheless, a combination of heightened competition and the resurgence of teammates such as Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, and the rise of Phil Foden has seen Gundogan transition from guaranteed starter to reliable substitute. While his technical attributes and tactical intelligence remain crucial for City, Gundogan’s reduced starting role underscores the fierce competition at elite clubs.
John Stones: Falling Down the Pecking Order at Manchester City
John Stones enjoyed a career-best season in 2020/21, partnering with Ruben Dias in a defense that propelled Manchester City to the title. Stones received individual accolades and established himself as one of the league’s premier centre-backs. However, after a grueling summer at the European Championships, Stones struggled for form and consistency.
The emergence of Aymeric Laporte and his strong left-footed partnership with Dias resulted in Stones losing his regular starting spot. With Laporte offering both experience and balance, Stones has had limited chances, sometimes even filling in at right-back to gain playing time. Despite his previous excellence, Stones has found himself sidelined due to circumstances beyond his control.
Marcus Rashford: From United Mainstay to Rotational Option
Marcus Rashford was integral to Manchester United’s attacking play under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, amassing 28 goals and 16 assists over two prolific seasons. His pace and directness in transition were vital to United’s tactical success. However, entering the current campaign, Rashford faced physical setbacks from a demanding schedule and battled injuries sustained during international duty.
Key signings, resurgent teammates, and the emergence of young attacker Anthony Elanga further limited Rashford’s minutes under interim manager Ralf Rangnick. With Jadon Sancho and others hitting form, Rashford’s role diminished, making this period one of the least prominent stretches in his career to date.
Lessons from a Season of Surprises
The experiences of these six players highlight just how unpredictable Premier League football can be. Strategic signings, tactical tweaks, injuries, and changing leadership all contribute to fluctuating team selections. If there is any constant, it is that no player’s place is ever truly guaranteed—regardless of past achievement or current form.
For fans and aspiring professionals alike, these stories underscore the relentless competition at the top level, where even established stars must continually prove their worth to remain central to their clubs’ ambitions.
Further Reading
For more in-depth football analysis, tactical breakdowns, and player insights, explore related articles and player profiles across the site. Stay tuned for ongoing coverage of the ever-evolving Premier League landscape.
