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It is very difficult for footballers to push their careers to a very high level but it is even more difficult for them to remain at such levels throughout their careers. This is because things change quickly in football and the battle to remain on top is a day-to-day affair.
There are many top superstars in Europe right now who are undergoing difficult phases in their careers. After making name for themselves and gaining the spotlight with their impressive performances, these elite players have now found themselves under intense pressure due to poor form and other issues.
Once considered the fan favorites, these superstars have fallen from grace to grass at their respective clubs and they are running out of time to turn things around. As a matter of fact, they could be forced to leave if they fail to find their feet very soon.
Below, we take a look at 5 of these superstars:
#5 Mesut Ozil
There are many top superstars who are struggling in Europe right now but one which we cannot afford to ignore is Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil. The ex-German International has endured a very difficult season so far, looking far below his usual self.
Ozil joined the Gunners from Real Madrid during the summer of 2013 and he was a bright light during his first 2 years at the Emirates, notably finishing as the most creative player across Europe's top 5 leagues for the 2015/2016 campaign.
However, following a promising start to life in North London, the former Real Madrid playmaker started deteriorating since about 2 years ago, and his struggles came to the fore under Unai Emery this term.
The manager has refused to count on him in recent weeks and it has become glaring that he doesn't have him in his plans. As a result, Ozil could be forced to quit the Emirates Stadium soon with a host of Serie A clubs including Inter Milan hoping to get his signature.
#4 Alexis Sanchez
Things can turn upside down quickly in football, just as Manchester United winger, Alexis Sanchez has learned. The Chilean superstar was one of the undisputed attackers in the English Premier League during his time at Arsenal before he decided to switch to Manchester.
A lot was expected from the ex-Barcelona forward when he joined the Red Devils last winter but Sanchez has failed to meet up with the expectations that accompanied his transfer, with his career moving on a downward trajectory ever since he switched to Old Trafford.
The Chilean has only recorded an embarrassing 5 goals and 9 assists to his name in 38 appearances for the Premier League giants across all competitions since he joined in January 2018 - a disappointing return from the attacker.
While many were pointing fingers at Jose Mourinho's defensive tactics as the reason for Sanchez's struggles earlier on, the attacker has also failed to make a strong statement for himself under Ole Gunnar Solksjaer.
In fact, with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial all firing on all cylinders at the moment, Sanchez could be forced out of Old Trafford anytime soon if he fails to turn the tables.
#3 Isco
Another elite player who is struggling to put his career back on track at the moment is Real Madrid superstar Isco, a highly talented playmaker with plenty of technical skills and immense intelligence.
When it comes to rating the most talented playmakers in Europe at the moment, the Spanish international will surely rank high. However, talent alone is not sufficient to keep a career flying high and that has been the case for Isco for the past few months.
The attacker has endured a very difficult campaign at the Santiago Bernabeu so far this season. He was a regular starter under Julen Lopetegui but has failed to break into the starting XI after Santiago Solari took over.
He is not being trusted by the manager as other players are considered ahead of him. At the moment, departing the Spanish capital seems to be the best option for the attacker. Should he decide to leave, he will not be short of options with the likes of Manchester City, Barcelona and Paris Saint Germain all interested in his services.
#2 Gareth Bale
Another Real Madrid superstar on the list, Welsh International Gareth Bale is also one of the few elite superstars in Europe right now who are struggling to keep their careers in good shape.
All eyes were on the former Tottenham Hotspur superstar to take the leading role at the Santiago Bernabeu following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo who left for Juventus during the summer, but he has failed to meet up with the expectations so far.
Even though the attacker has recorded 9 goals to his name across all competitions so far during the term, he has not been a reliable figure at the club as he has had to deal with recurring injury concerns as well as inconsistent displays.
With youngster Vinicius Junior and Lucas Vazquez making strong cases for themselves, the Welshman could be forced to think about his future anytime soon.
#1 Philippe Coutinho
It isn't news anymore that Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho is enduring a difficult time at Barcelona. Such has been the struggling of the attacker that it has become glaring to everyone.
The playmaker dominated the headlines when he left Liverpool for Barcelona during the summer of 2018. By hitting 10 goals and 6 assists for the Blaugrana in 22 appearances in the second half of last season, Coutinho raised the expectations and it looked like he was living his dream in the Catalan capital.
However, fast-forward six months into the current campaign and that dream is turning into a nightmare for the attacker. The Brazilian has managed to score 8 goals and 5 assists to his name in 33 appearances so far during the term. As a result, he has fallen below Ousmane Dembele in the pecking order and Barcelona fans have wasted no time in getting their dissatisfaction known.
