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Relegation. The one word which is tremendously dreaded by the lesser clubs of the Premier League. No club wants to make the feared drop to the inferior Championship.
The financial boost which the Premier League offers is huge. Even the team who finishes last pockets a staggering £100 million solely due to broadcasting deals. Add to this the ticket sales and revenue gained and the total rises even higher.
Aside from the financial aspects, the attention and relevance which the Championship cannot guarantee are invaluable.
Simply put, relegation hurts and Swansea City, West Bromwich Albion, and Stoke City will attest to that fact. However, the players can change their fortunes by seeking a move back to the Premier League.
On that note, here are 5 relegated players who deserve to stay in the Premier League.
#5 Jay Rodriguez (West Bromwich Albion)
Jay Rodriguez is a case of a good striker in an incompetent attack. West Brom have always had the reputation of being a defensive team which struggles for goals and so it proved to be.
Rodriguez had a breakout season with Southampton in 2013/14 when he netted 15 league goals but injuries have curtailed his involvement ever since. Still, he had a decent return of 11 goals this season, something he can surely better if given the opportunity.
The Englishman is a great finisher and has good dribbling and passing skills. He is certainly capable of scoring more than 10 goals a season, something any promoted club would crave to have.
#4 Jordan Ayew (Swansea City)
The Welsh side struggled this season, especially in attack, but Ayew has been a shining light throughout. The Ghanian international scored 7 goals and set up a further 2, a sizeable chunk of Swansea's measly total of 28 league goals all season.
He also scored 4 more in cup competitions. These numbers don't stand out, but they are respectable for the Swans' toothless attack.
Ayew can play in a number of positions in the final third. He has been deployed as a striker, winger and as 'number 10'. He also has great pace, trickery, and skill on the ball and possesses a fearsome shot.
The work rate and desire he shows off the ball is impressive as well. Certainly, a player worth having.
#3 Jack Butland (Stoke City)
Butland enjoyed a stellar 2015/16 season, but injuries curtailed his impact last season. But he bounced back this season, arguably appearing to be Stoke's best player in some matches.
The England international recorded the most saves in the league, but it was not enough as the Potters went down anyway. Stoke did concede 68 league goals all season, but that can be attributed to the poor defence in front of Butland rather than critics questioning his competence.
He is in England's World Cup squad for the summer and his reputation is certainly on the rise. Furthermore, his familiarity with the Premier League will surely help his cause.
#2 Lukasz Fabianski (Swansea City)
Fabianski has been in the Premier League for a decade, but he starred at Swansea City after a spell at Arsenal on the sidelines. He rose to prominence as one of the best goalkeepers in the league and has helped to keep Swansea in the league.
Since he joined the Swans, his save tally has not been bettered by any goalkeeper. His shot-stopping ability is commendable and at times nothing short of sensational. He has a knack for pulling off acrobatic saves and he has earned Swansea points countless times.
His experience and command over the backline will be invaluable to many teams, especially the newly-promoted sides.
#1 Xherdan Shaqiri (Stoke City)
Shaqiri has undoubtedly been Stoke's talisman this season, coming up with goals and assists when needed. But even his effort was not enough as the Potters meekly suffered relegation in the end.
However the Swiss international can certainly ramp up the attacking prowesses of other Premier League outfits. The former Bayern Munich man recorded 8 goals and 7 assists - a respectable total amidst a shambolic Stoke attack.
Shaqiri possesses a deadly left foot and, combined with his dribbling and set-piece ability, his signature will certainly be coveted by many.
