10 footballers who don't deserve to be on the bench

#4 Lucas Perez

Perez was signed by Arsenal in the summer transfer window

Lucas Perez has been called a late bloomer ever since his irresistible form last season, when he scored 17 goals in La Liga for Deportivo and saved them from relegation almost single-handedly. The Spaniard was tipped for a big-money move at the end of the season, and he duly completed a move to Arsenal after making a single appearance for the Galician club in La Liga this season.

His time at Arsenal has been relatively frustrating in comparison, as Arsenal have looked towards their more experienced players for the goals this season. Arsene Wenger continues to start Alexis Sanchez in the striker’s role despite the fact that the Chilean is a natural wide forward. While Sanchez has also been a revelation in his new role, Perez’s exclusion from the starting XI seems to be a travesty when we look at his numbers for this season.

In 5 starts and 4 substitute appearances this season, Lucas Perez has handed Arsenal 5 goals and a pair of assists – enviable figures for any player at a top club. It remains to be seen how long the Spaniard is kept out of the starting XI, as he is one of the fastest players at the club and has a great finishing touch – which Arsenal desperately need.