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Arguably the biggest football league in the world, the English Premier League lacks neither entertainment nor quality.
Some of the best players and managers ply their trade in the English top flight, creating an extremely competitive environment where anyone can beat anyone. However, the traditional Big 6 (Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur) remain the teams to beat almost every season.
These clubs have some of the best players in world football. However, footballers are human beings, and not everyone can constantly maintain incredible levels on the pitch. As such, there has been a decline in performances from some players in the Premier League's Big 6 this season.
Without further ado, we take a look at the 5 biggest underperformers from the Premier League Big 6 this season (2020/21).
#5 Steven Bergwijn (Tottenham Hotspur)
A highly-rated talent during his time in the Eredivisie, Steven Bergwijn was one of Jose Mourinho's first signings as Tottenham Hotspur manager.
The 23-year-old had impressed during his time with PSV Eindhoven, making 149 appearances in all competitions and scoring 31 goals. He was favourably compared to Dutch star Memphis Depay, another player who had made his name at PSV Eindhoven.
Bergwijn joined Tottenham Hotspur in January 2020 for a fee of £27 million and made an immediate impact, scoring on his debut. However, since then, the Netherlands international has barely made any noise. The arrival of Welsh winger Gareth Bale on loan last summer further pushed him down the pecking order at the north London club.
The attacker has made just 11 starts in the Premier League this season, providing three assists. While Harry Kane and Son Heung-min are undroppable, the likes of Bale and Lucas Moura have been favoured ahead of Bergwijn.
It remains to be seen what the future holds for the former PSV Eindhoven man.
#4 Timo Werner (Chelsea)
"Turbo Timo" was heralded as a superstar signing when he joined Chelsea last summer.
Having been heavily linked with Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool, Timo Werner joined Chelsea for a fee of £47.5 million. He was seen as a shrewd acquisition, given his spectacular performances for RB Leipzig the season before.
The Germany international had scored 34 goals in all competitions for Die Roten Bullen and was regarded as the ideal competition for the young Tammy Abraham. However, nearly a season later, Werner's misses for Chelsea have gained more fame than his performances.
The 25-year-old has made 26 starts in the Premier League, scoring six goals and providing seven assists. His catalogue of missed chances has seen him receive intense criticism, and it is no surprise that Chelsea have been linked with Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Braut Haaland.
Also Read: Leeds United vs Tottenham prediction, preview, team news and more | Premier League 2020-21
#3 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal)
Arsenal fans had an agonising wait last summer as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's contractual situation with the club was uncertain. The star forward ultimately signed a new contract with the Gunners, and the news was well-received.
Aubameyang was seen as Arsenal's most important player, as he scored 29 goals in all competitions last season despite playing in an inconsistent unit.
However, the Gabon international has failed to replicate his blistering form in the current season. His sub-par performances have resulted in comparisons with Mesut Ozil, another player who signed a big contract just before his decline.
The 31-year-old has picked up form in recent weeks. He has made 23 Premier League starts this season, scoring 10 goals and providing two assists.
#2 Anthony Martial (Manchester United)
There is no denying Anthony Martial's talent, but his inconsistent performances have left many Manchester United fans frustrated.
The 25-year old was Manchester United's preferred No.9 last season and scored 23 goals in all competitions. Many fans believed he was ready to be the Red Devils' first-choice striker.
However, that has not been the case. The France international has been a disappointment this season, making 17 Premier League starts and scoring four goals.
The arrival of experienced striker Edinson Cavani has made things even worse for Martial, as the Uruguayan's excellent performances have seen him take over the mantle of Manchester United's striker.
Martial is currently out injured, but he will have to make a bigger impact next season.
#1 Sadio Mane (Liverpool)
Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool were regarded as one of the best teams in Europe last season, but their performances have taken a nosedive this time around.
Injuries to centre-backs Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip have been among the main reasons for their drop-off. However, it would be fair to say that their attack has also been underwhelming.
While Mohamed Salah has maintained his scintillating goalscoring form, the performances of fellow forwards Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino have been a cause for concern. Mane's form, in particular, has left a lot to be desired.
The Senegal international scored 18 goals in the Premier League last season as Liverpool romped to the title. However, he has managed to score only eight goals so far this season. Renowned for his pace, passing and finishing ability, the 29-year old has not looked at his very best this season.
Also Read: Arsenal vs West Brom prediction, preview, team news and more | Premier League 2020-21
