5 players rated more by managers than the fans

Manchester United v Leicester City - Premier League
Fellaini is liked a lot by Jose Mourinho

There is always a player that you don’t want in your team, but the manager – the one that whose decisions are the one that really matter – seemingly rates the player much highly and opts to play him more often than not.

It is one of those things that irks the fans as the mere sight of the player brings about a lot of questions in their minds. Even at top clubs filled with stars, there are seemingly less-talented players that earn the managers’ trust with something unique about them that only the manager seems to know of.

And here are 5 such players that are trusted more by their managers than the fans…


#5 Marouane Fellaini

Some still don’t understand as to how the big Belgian still plays for Manchester United. However, when three different managers have employed him in various positions and have refused to sell him – and that, too, whilst playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world – it certainly says something about the player.

When David Moyes signed the Afro-haired former Everton player from Goodison Park, many fans were bewildered as they didn’t quite believe that he had the necessary skills to be a midfielder for an elite-level club.

Turns out that he might not have, but he became one of the most trusted players for all three of David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho – the last two of whom are known for their ruthless approach when selecting players.

It says a lot about Fellaini’s character – something that is rated highly by the managers that coach him.

#4 Gary Cahill

Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea - Premier League
Cahill is now Chelsea's captain

When he was signed from Bolton, he was among the best English defenders in the game. The fans might not have been so sure in the beginning but were absolutely sold after witnessing him in action week-in and week-out.

Cahill’s ability to read the oppositions’ attacks even before it came to fruition was an asset which has helped Chelsea many a time. However, of late, his performances are making fans wonder as to whether he should be a regular fixture in Antonio Conte’s starting XI.

But here’s the deal: Cahill has been made the new captain of Chelsea by the Italian manager, which goes on to show the level of faith the former Juventus boss has on the England international. It’s not only a trait with Conte as Jose Mourinho was also an ardent fan during his time as the manager of the Blues.

#3 Javier Mascherano

FC Barcelona v Chapecoense - Joan Gamper Trophy
Mascherano age is catching up with him

Two seasons ago, this choice would have been blasted by many readers simply because Mascherano was among the most consistent players in the Barcelona team. However, right now, with age catching up to him, it seems as though the former Liverpool man is far from the player that made the Camp Nou faithful fall in love with him.

Such is the situation now that most Cules can’t fathom as to why the Argentine is even in the team, let alone playing regularly in the red-and-blue of Barcelona. It is clear that he is one of the most favoured players for the managers that coached him simply because of his exemplary attitude as a footballer.

Nonetheless, with such a frustrating summer on their backs, you could fully expect the Blaugrana fans to further sound their disgruntled voices regarding the position of the former West Ham man in the team – but it is unlikely that Ernesto Valverde will listen, at least not this season.

#2 Karim Benzema

Real Madrid CF v RC Deportivo La Coruna - La Liga
Benzema's inconsistency has often been frustrating

At this point of time, there are very few players that divide their teams’ fans bases like Karim Benzema does with the Madridistas. Even when he is at his best, some fans don’t seem to be convinced, who always want someone else to lead the line at the Bernabeu.

However, right now, the criticism of the Frenchman is at a peak – and it is understandable as he gave one of his best performances in a Madrid shirt in the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup only to come up with one of his worst shows against Valencia in the league. Zinedine Zidane trusts him with his life and the sale of Alvaro Morata and Mariano Diaz is a testament to that.

It is not only Zidane, though. Jose Mourinho, after initial months of discontentment, opted with Benzema as his first-choice striker over Gonzalo Higuain. Carlo Ancelotti also absolutely adored him. However, his position within the club has elevated even further with his compatriot taking over the reins at the club – something that irks a lot of fans.

#1 Dejan Lovren

Liverpool FC v Leicester City FC: Premier League Asia Trophy
The Croat isn't very popular among the Reds

How he is still a Liverpool player, let alone their first-choice defender, is a wonder of the highest calibre for many, many Liverpool fans. Some of them would rather have a lamp post in front of the goalie instead of the former Southampton man they once so incessantly craved to have in their team.

I think this is what life is all about – the grass, as it would seem, is always greener on the other side. However, the truth is that Lovren’s performances at the Anfield have been as erratic as it could get. The former Lyon man isn’t someone you could rely on if you are a team that aspires to challenge for titles on a regular basis.

But it appears as though Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, has his full trust on the Croat as he believes that there aren’t five better defenders than the ones that he already has at his disposal – and that, obviously, involves Dejan Lovren.

Quick Links

Edited by Amit Mishra