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It is not uncommon for world-class footballers to find themselves with limited game time, despite their immense talent and capabilities. Several factors can contribute to this situation. Firstly, competition within the team can be fierce, especially in top clubs with deep squads.
The presence of other exceptional players in the same position can limit opportunities for playing time. Secondly, injuries can disrupt a player's rhythm and result in reduced game time. Additionally, tactical considerations and managerial decisions play a significant role.
Coaches may opt for specific formations or strategies that do not fully utilize certain players' strengths. Finally, off-field issues, such as contract disputes or disagreements with management, can also impact a player's playing time.
Let's take a look at five world-class players who deserve more game time.
#5 Christian Pulisic (Chelsea)
Christian Pulisic played a pivotal role in Chelsea's Champions League triumph in the 2020-21 season. Although niggling injury issues have hindered him from having steady runs in the starting lineup, the fact that the Chelsea dressing room is overpopulated is more of a problem.
Pulisic was considered one of the most promising attackers in the world a few seasons ago. He has shown glimpses of that incredible quality at Chelsea but he suffers from having to navigate an unhealthy amount of competition for places at Stamford Bridge.
Pulisic has started just eight games in the Premier League so far this season, scoring a goal and providing an assist. He is only 24 and it is about time he copped a move elsewhere if he is to truly maximize his potential and deliver on the promise of his early years.
#4 Franck Kessie (Barcelona)
Franck Kessie is a talented and dynamic midfielder who can play a variety of roles in midfield. He is also a good dribbler and passer, and he is not afraid to get stuck. Kessie joined Barcelona from AC Milan on a free transfer last summer but the move hasn't worked out to his liking.
The 26-year-old has started a meagre six La Liga games this season but has come off the bench on 20 occasions. He was one of AC Milan's most important players as they won the Serie A title last campaign. However, he doesn't seem to be a part of Xavi's plans at Barcelona.
Kessie is too good a player to be consigned to the substitutes' bench for the majority of a campaign. There are plenty of top clubs that could benefit from having the Ivory Coast international in their midfield.
#3 Aymeric Laporte (Manchester City)
Aymeric Laporte is a top-quality centre-back. But the 28-year-old has started just 13 games across the Premier League and the Champions League all season for Manchester City.
Laporte missed the first two months of the season due to a knee injury. He has since returned to fitness, but he has not been able to regain his place in the starting lineup.
City have a number of talented center-backs, including Ruben Dias, John Stones, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake. This has made it difficult for Laporte to break into the starting lineup.
City manager Pep Guardiola has tweaked his tactics this season, playing with a back three instead of a back four. This has meant that there is less space for Laporte to operate in and he has struggled to adapt to the new system.
A player of Laporte's quality shouldn't be wiling their time away warming the bench. Ideally, he should look to cop an exit from City this summer.
#2 Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid)
Eduardo Camavinga has definitely made a case to deserve more game time at Real Madrid over the course of this season. He has shown that he is a talented and versatile midfielder who can play in a number of positions. He is a good ball progressor and passer who is a combative presence in midfield.
Camavinga has made 34 La Liga appearances for Real Madrid this season, but he has only started 19 of those games. He has been used mostly as a substitute, but he has made an impact whenever he has come on the pitch.
Camavinga was a key part of the team's run to the semi-finals of the Champions League. He was arguably their best player in the first leg of their semi-final tie with Manchester City.
#1 Julian Alvarez (Manchester City)
We saw just how good Julian Alvarez is at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He scored four goals in seven appearances and was one of Argentina's best players at the tournament. He has also been incredible for Manchester City since joining the club last summer.
He has proven to be a wonderful deputy to the phenomenal Erling Haaland. But it's quite obvious now that Alvarez is too good to be anybody's deputy. A player of his quality should be starting games on the regular but unfortunately, as long as Haaland stays at City, Alvarez will have to play second-fiddle to him.
The 23-year-old has started just 16 games across the Premier League and the Champions League this season. He has scored 17 goals and provided five assists in 47 appearances across all competitions for City so far this season.
