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While scouting among clubs has increased manifold, transfers remain a gamble. There is no sure shot chance of a player succeeding, unless perhaps the player is Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi.
Various factors come into play. Angel Di Maria's spell at Manchester United was cut short because the player was not happy with Manchester. Similarly, a change of managers midway through the season can also have an adverse effect. On that note, let us take a look at:
5 players who are too good to flop again next season
#5 AARON RAMSEY, JUVENTUS
When Aaron Ramsey departed Arsenal last summer to move on a free to Juventus, much was expected from him.
It has been rumoured that Juventus offered him astronomical wages and his decision to move was swayed by that. Despite that, the midfielder was supposed to add dynamism, energy and offensive capabilities to a static Juventus midfield. However, in his first season at the club, the Wales international has failed to deliver.
Ramsey's first season in Italy has been stunted by injury issues. With the likes of Blaise Matuidi, Rodrigo Bentancur, Adrien Rabiot and Miralem Pjanic preferred ahead of him even when fit, the 29-year old has been linked with a move away.
Having only made 11 starts in Serie A last season, scoring three goals and providing one assist, there is no denying that there is more to come from him. Ir remains to be seen how the arrival of Arthur and new manager Andrea Pirlo could affect his situation at the club.
#4 TANGUY NDOMBELE, TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Tanguy Ndombele arrived at Tottenham Hotspur amid much fanfare, after a phenomenal season in France.
Spurs paid Lyon a club-record £55 million for the midfielder, having signed him despite heavy interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid. Ndombele's dribbling ability as well as passing range were seen as huge assets for Mauricio Pochettino's midfield, and his midfield partnership with fellow new signing Giovani Lo Celso was seen as an exciting one.
Pochettino's departure and Jose Mourinho's arrival changed the scenario. While Lo Celso has established himself as a first team regular, Ndombele has been publicly criticised by his manager. The France international does not enjoy a good relationship with Mourinho, and is said to be willing to leave the club.
Last season, the 23-year old made just 12 starts in the Premier League, scoring two goals and providing two assists. The arrival of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg could potentially liberate Ndombele; on the other hand, it could also signal a move away.
#3 HIRVING LOZANO, NAPOLI
Another player who enjoyed a stellar 2018-19 campaign, Hirving Lozano was arguably Eredivisie's best player during that season.
The Mexico international moved to Napoli last summer from PSV Eindhoven for €42 million, amid rumours of interest from various top clubs. He made an immediate impact, scoring a goal on his debut against Juventus in a 4-3 loss. However, the winger failed to capitalise on this start.
Carlo Ancelotti left and Gennaro Gattuso was brought in as the manager, and Lozano had his game time reduced. The 25-year old has seen the likes of Piotr Zielinski, Fabian Ruiz, Dries Mertens and Lorenzo Insigne get more minutes than him in the season gone by.
Lozano made just 10 starts in Serie A last season, scoring four goals and providing one assist. A versatile forward, the former Pachuca player is clearly a talented player and more is expected from him.
Also Read: Top 10 players to have scored the most penalties in the 21st century
#2 ANTOINE GRIEZMANN, BARCELONA
When Barcelona paid a whopping €120 million to Atletico Madrid for Antoine Griezmann, eyebrows were raised.
There is no denying the quality of Griezmann. The France international has been instrumental in the success of both Atletico Madrid and France over the years, with his eye for goal and work ethic praised by many. In five years with Atletico Madrid, Griezmann made over 250 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring 133 goals.
This has not been the case at Barcelona. The 29-year old has struggled to perform alongside the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, and has been benched several times by manager Quique Setien. This has resulted in him being linked with a move away.
Having been utilized in multiple attacking positions, Griezmann made 31 starts in La Liga last season, scoring nine goals and providing four assists. In comparison, the World Cup winner scored 15 league goals in his last season with Atletico Madrid.
#1 EDEN HAZARD, REAL MADRID
Regarded as one of the best wingers to have played in the Premier League, Eden Hazard was a faithful servant for Chelsea for seven years.
However, Hazard had always acknowledged the fact that he would like to play for Real Madrid one day. So when the Spanish giants offered €100 million for the winger last summer, Chelsea decided to accept the move. Much was made of the transfer, with the Belgium international being given the famed no.7 jersey upon his arrival.
It would be fair to say that his first season has been a disappointing one. Persistent injury issues meant that he barely featured last season, and played a minor role as Los Blancos won the league. The 29-year old, whose expectional dribbling prowess as well as creative ability have been well-renowned, needs to start next season at the top of his game.
Last season, the former Lille winger made 14 starts in the league, scoring one goal and providing three assists. He will be expected to lead the charge for Real Madrid from now on.
Also Read: 5 players who have won the Premier League, Champions League and the World Cup
