The 2024–25 Premier League campaign has been filled with stunning performances, breakout stars, and unexpected storylines. But just as there are shining lights, there are shadows too. Big names don’t always deliver, and reputations alone can’t win matches. Several players expected to lead their clubs—or even the league—have struggled to live up to expectations.
Last week, I ranked the standout performers of the season. This week, we’re focusing on the other end of the spectrum: the players whose performances haven’t matched their talent, reputation, or price tag. While some may rebound and prove doubters wrong, this season has been one to forget for the following players.
Phil Foden – Manchester City | Midfielder/Forward
Stats:
- Premier League Appearances: 28
- Goals: 4
- Assists: 3
Verdict: From Player of the Year to a Player in Crisis?
Phil Foden was crowned the Premier League Player of the Year just last season. He was the heartbeat of a treble-winning Manchester City side, offering energy, invention, and match-winning quality from midfield or the front line. This season, however, the spark has been noticeably absent.
Foden has looked a pale shadow of the electric, game-changing figure we saw last term. Despite continued appearances under Pep Guardiola, he has struggled to influence games, especially against top-six opposition. His body language tells its own story—frustration, confusion, and even disillusionment. Substituted early in the Manchester derby at Old Trafford, his form slump mirrors the broader malaise at City, who’ve lacked their usual fluency.
What’s gone wrong? Perhaps it’s tactical. Foden’s versatility has often been a blessing and a curse—he’s shuffled between the wing, false nine, and midfield without being given a settled role. A player of his vision and technique needs rhythm, structure, and clarity. Instead, he’s become emblematic of City’s tinkering, rather than a benefactor of it.
He has also failed to click with England during recent international breaks, raising further concerns ahead of the Euro 2024 tournament. Still only 24, there’s no doubt Foden has the talent to bounce back—but he and his managers must figure out how to unlock it again.
Rasmus Højlund – Manchester United | Forward
Stats:
- Premier League Appearances: 27
- Goals: 3
- Assists: 2
Verdict: A Pricey Gamble That Hasn’t Paid Off
Rasmus Højlund’s transfer to Manchester United was supposed to be a signal of intent: a young, dynamic forward brought in for a hefty £70 million fee from Atalanta. At just 21, he was viewed as a long-term solution to United’s ongoing striker woes—a powerful, mobile forward who could lead the line with purpose.
The reality? A difficult season marked by isolation, poor service, and a lack of chemistry with his teammates. Højlund’s three goals in nearly 30 appearances tell their own story. He cuts a frustrated figure, often making intelligent runs only to see them ignored or misread. United’s dysfunctional attack has done him no favours, but the Dane must also shoulder some responsibility. His link-up play has been inconsistent, his finishing wasteful.
Ten Hag’s tactical setup hasn’t helped. At times, Højlund has looked like a square peg in a round hole—surrounded by wingers who prefer cutting in to shoot rather than creating for their striker. Despite the potential, questions now swirl over whether United will persist with him or cut their losses. For all his youth and promise, top-flight football is unforgiving, and Old Trafford has seen enough false dawns to be wary.
Raheem Sterling – Arsenal (on loan from Chelsea) | Forward
Stats:
- Premier League Appearances: 13
- Goals: 0
- Assists: 2
Verdict: A Star Fading Under the Spotlight
Raheem Sterling was once one of the most feared wingers in the Premier League, hitting double figures in goals for several consecutive seasons under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. But since leaving the Etihad, the sharpness, hunger, and end-product have all declined.
This season, on loan at Arsenal from Chelsea, Sterling has barely registered. Thirteen appearances, no goals, and just two assists paint a grim picture. Injuries and rotation have limited his time on the pitch, but when he has played, Sterling has looked unsure of himself—hesitant on the ball and surprisingly lacking in confidence.
His time at Chelsea has clearly taken a toll. The once dynamic dribbler who terrorized full-backs has lost that burst of acceleration, that instinct to take defenders on. At Arsenal, where Mikel Arteta demands high tempo and precision, Sterling has struggled to keep pace.
Now 30, Sterling faces a critical juncture in his career. Does he still have the hunger to reinvent himself? Or is this the beginning of a gradual fade into irrelevance? Either way, this season has done his reputation few favours.
Eddie Nketiah – Crystal Palace | Forward
Stats:
- Premier League Appearances: 18
- Goals: 2
- Red Cards: 1
Verdict: From Arsenal Benchwarmer to Palace Benchwarmer
Eddie Nketiah was supposed to find a fresh start at Crystal Palace—a mid-season move meant to offer him more minutes, more responsibility, and a chance to finally prove himself as a first-choice Premier League striker.
In practice, little has changed. Nketiah has found himself firmly behind Jean-Philippe Mateta in the pecking order, managing just two goals and a forgettable red card against Brighton. His most notable moment in a Palace shirt came when he scored his first goal… on February 25th. Hardly the breakout story fans hoped for.
Nketiah has always had sharp movement and good poacher instincts, but his overall game has yet to evolve. He doesn’t offer much in terms of build-up play, aerial presence, or physicality—traits vital in a modern No.9.
At 25, he’s at a crossroads. He’s clearly too good for U23 football or bit-part roles, but perhaps not quite good enough to lead the line for a Premier League side with ambition. What he needs is a team willing to give him 30 games as their primary striker. The question is—who will take that gamble?
Looking Ahead: Redemption or Regression?
It’s worth noting that form is temporary and class is permanent. All four of these players have had high moments in their careers—some more than others—and none are without talent. Football, especially at the highest level, is ruthless. Injuries, tactics, confidence, and chemistry all play a role in performance.
The 2025–26 season could well see some or all of these players turn the page. Foden might flourish again if given consistency and trust. Højlund could benefit from a better midfield behind him. Sterling might find a system that suits him. Nketiah could drop down a tier to become a regular starter and revive his career.
But as things stand, this campaign has been a reality check for these stars—reminders that reputations mean little on the pitch, and in the Premier League, you’re only as good as your last 90 minutes.
Frequently Asked Question
Who are the biggest Premier League flops of the 2024-25 season?
The major underperformers this season include Phil Foden (Manchester City), Rasmus Højlund (Manchester United), Raheem Sterling (Arsenal), and Eddie Nketiah (Crystal Palace).
What went wrong for Phil Foden this season?
Foden has struggled with consistency, failing to impact games as he did last season. His fluctuating position within Manchester City’s lineup has hindered his ability to find form.
Why has Rasmus Højlund failed to impress at Manchester United?
Højlund has been isolated up front with minimal service and a lack of chemistry with his teammates, contributing to his disappointing return of just three goals in 27 appearances.
Has Raheem Sterling’s career stagnated since leaving Manchester City?
Since joining Chelsea and now being loaned to Arsenal, Sterling has seen a decline in form, failing to replicate his previous success at City, contributing no goals and only two assists in the Premier League this season.
Why has Eddie Nketiah not succeeded at Crystal Palace?
Nketiah has struggled to establish himself as a first-choice striker at Palace, spending much of the season on the bench and failing to make a significant impact when given the chance.
Conclusion
The 2024-25 Premier League season has been one of highs and lows, with some of the league’s most talented players failing to meet expectations. Phil Foden, Rasmus Højlund, Raheem Sterling, and Eddie Nketiah were all touted as key figures for their respective clubs but have struggled for form and consistency. While it’s still possible for them to turn their fortunes around, the current season will likely be remembered as one of missed opportunities.
