The Most Overrated Players in the Premier League (2025)

The Premier League is home to some of the world’s best talent, but not every player lives up to the hype. Some are praised beyond their actual contributions, while others struggle to justify hefty price tags. Here’s a breakdown of ten players whose performances in 2025 have failed to meet expectations.

It’s important to note that perceptions of being “overrated” are subjective and can change over time. Players may face various challenges, including adapting to new teams, injuries, or tactical mismatches, which can affect their performances. Continuous assessment and support are essential to help these players realize their full potential.

 

10. Jack Grealish (Manchester City)

Grealish, despite his record-breaking transfer fee, has yet to fully justify his price tag. His numbers remain underwhelming—two goals in 25 appearances—and his influence on games has been inconsistent.

To make matters worse, he was forced off injured after just 30 minutes against Real Madrid in the Champions League, adding to a frustrating campaign for the Englishman. His performances simply do not reflect the level of a player signed for over £100 million.

9. Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea)

Jackson’s inconsistency in front of goal has frustrated Chelsea fans. He often requires multiple chances to convert, and his decision-making in key moments has been questionable.

Despite playing regularly, his goal tally remains modest, and Chelsea’s struggles in attack have only highlighted his shortcomings. Nkunku has recently been preferred ahead of him, but Chelsea’s frontline remains a major issue.

8. Emile Smith Rowe (Fulham)

Smith Rowe’s move from Arsenal to Fulham was supposed to reignite his career, and while he started well, his form has dipped significantly. After a bright spell in which he registered some goal contributions, he has managed just one goal involvement in his last 12 games.

Once seen as a future England regular, Smith Rowe’s struggles suggest he still has a long way to go before reaching the levels expected of him.

7. Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)

Bernardo Silva is widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s most technically gifted players, but his influence has waned this season. The Portuguese playmaker was once valued at €100 million, yet his performances have not lived up to that price tag.

His role in Manchester City’s midfield has been less impactful compared to previous seasons, and with İlkay Gündoğan’s departure, he was expected to step up. Instead, his contributions have been inconsistent, leading some to question whether his reputation outweighs his actual output.

6. Manuel Akanji (Manchester City)

Manchester City’s defensive woes this season have been glaring, and Akanji has been at the center of the problem. His positioning and lack of composure have cost City in crucial games.

While he is not a poor defender, the praise he receives often does not match his performances. City’s defensive struggles have highlighted his limitations, making his reputation as a top-tier center-back questionable.

5. Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United)

Mainoo’s rise through United’s ranks was met with excitement, but his performances have been inconsistent. New Manchester United coach Rúben Amorim recently admitted that Mainoo struggles defensively and is considering a tactical shift to a false nine role to reinvigorate his form.

While the young midfielder has shown flashes of quality, questions remain about his long-term suitability in a high-intensity midfield. The expectation that he is already an elite-level player may be premature.

4. Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea)

Chelsea’s injury-plagued forward has struggled to make an impact in the league. After arriving for a hefty fee, Nkunku’s limited Premier League appearances have been underwhelming. While he has seven goals in seven appearances in the UEFA Conference League, he has managed just two goals in the Premier League.

For a player of his price tag and reputation, consistency is expected at the highest level. While injuries have played a role, the reality is that he has yet to prove himself as a decisive player in the league.

3. Jadon Sancho (Chelsea)

Once viewed as one of England’s brightest young talents, Sancho’s career has been underwhelming. A fallout with Erik ten Hag led to his loan move to Chelsea, where he initially showed promise, registering two goals and a few assists in his first 22 games. However, his performances have tailed off.

Chelsea fans are growing frustrated with his lack of intensity, labeling him as “lazy” and ineffective in duels. His reluctance to take on defenders and his conservative approach on the ball have made him far too predictable. Once tipped for superstardom, he now finds himself struggling to justify his place in Chelsea’s attack.

2. Rasmus Højlund (Manchester United)

Højlund arrived with high expectations, but his output in the Premier League has been disappointing. The Danish striker has managed just two league goals this season, while his goal tally in the Europa League (seven goals) suggests he feasts on weaker opposition. In crucial league games, he has often been anonymous.

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. Right now, he hasn’t justified his status as United’s leading man up front.

1. Cole Palmer (Chelsea)

There’s no denying that Cole Palmer has racked up goals this season, but the question remains—against whom and how? A closer look at his performances reveals a pattern: he shines against mid-table opposition, but in big games, he’s largely absent. Even when he scores, penalties have accounted for a significant portion of his goals.

In Chelsea’s recent poor run, Palmer has struggled. He has gone five consecutive league games without a goal or an assist. Yet, some pundits have placed him above Bukayo Saka—a comparison that, based on performances against top opposition, does not hold up. In a crucial 3-0 loss to Brighton, his impact was minimal, further raising questions about his ability to deliver in key moments.

Conclusion

Football is a game of opinions, and while these players have undeniable talent, their performances in the 2025 season have not lived up to the hype surrounding them. Being overrated does not mean a player is bad—it simply means their perceived value and actual output do not align. Time will tell if they can turn things around and prove their critics wrong.