Suman Chakravorty: The FIFA World Cup is an event where the best footballing stars across the globe dream to participate, take pride to play for their crests. The four years span has always been the time for every footballer to prove their metal for getting the opportunity to play in the illusive competition. But it’s always agonizing if someone, after playing so well throughout the season, misses the cut to play in the biggest stage for his country. Today, www.xtratime.in traces 10 Premier League players who have been left out from their respective countries, despite showing incredible and consistent performances throughout the season:
Anthony Martial (Manchester United) :
There is every right to blame Jose Mourinho for this shocking exclusion. He didn’t give Anthony Martial enough chances in the starting lineup of Manchester United in this season despite some brilliant performances. So, it was not possible for him to get enough game time to be selected for the National side.
Marcos Alonso (Chelsea) :
This Chelsea wingback has gave brilliant performance throughout the whole season for the Blues. So, it was really unfortunate for the player as Nacho Monreal was selected over him in the World Cup squad of Spain.
Juan Mata (Manchester United) :
Juan Mata didn’t get adequate game time at Manchester United. So, it was quite obvious that he was not selected for the Spanish side in the upcoming World Cup in Russia. He could have been a great option for Spain if he was in his previous form.
Alvaro Morata (Chelsea) :
Alvaro Morata came to Chelsea from Real Madrid to have some more gametime. But his Chelsea career has not gone in the right direction and the sustaining back injury has ruled him out of the World Cup in Russia.
The Chelsea Loanee Kurt Zouma was excluded from the French National side squad despite his good performance at Stoke City throughout the whole season. It was really unfortunate from the player’s point of view.
This Manchester City defender was not regular in the starting lineup of the club. So, he was also excluded due to lack of game-time in this season. He had a fabulous season in 2016/17 and his move to Man City in record transfer was a perfect reward for that.
Alexandre Lacazette (Arsenal):
Alexandre Lacazette is one of the big names excluded from the squad of France for the upcoming World Cup. Lacazette got back to his previous form at the back end of the season for the Gunners. It was really surprising for him to miss the call for the World Cup.
Pedro Rodriguez (Chelsea) :
Pedro Rodriguez was in the squad of Spain in all competitions since their World Cup win in 2010. But lack of gametime in this season was the cause of his exclusion from the Spanish squad for the World Cup.
Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea) :
Cesc Fabregas was the integral part of the Spanish side since their World Cup win in 2010. But his age has gone against him to be selected for the Spanish side for the upcoming World Cup.