5 world-class players who flopped after leaving the Premier League

#3 Michael Owen

Owen went from winning the Ballon d'Or in the Premier League to becoming a bench warmer in Madrid.

Michael Owen rose to prominence during the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France. The then-18-year-old was a huge revelation during the tournament. His amazing goal for England against Argentina in the round of 16 stage will be remembered for several years.

Owen went on to become a huge force in the Premier League, running riot for Liverpool in front of goal. The former England striker bagged 118 goals and 35 assists for the Reds in 216 games in the division. He even claimed the Ballon d'Or at Anfield in 2001 before leaving for Real Madrid three years later.

Unfortunately, his spell at the Santiago Bernabeu was a massive failure. He spent most of his time with Los Blancos warming the bench and could only bag 16 goals and four assists in 46 games. He left the Spanish giants to return to the Premier League after just one year, joining Newcastle United in the summer of 2005.

---

#2 Eden Hazard

The Belgian's struggles continue at the Santiago Bernabeu

The Belgian was one of the most potent attackers in the Premier League during his days at Chelsea. He recorded an impressive tally of 85 goals and 61 assists in 245 appearances for the Blues in the English top flight. His impressive numbers caught the eye of Real Madrid, who signed him for a whopping €100 million.

However, the playmaker has spent more time on the treatment table than on the pitch. Since switching to the Santiago Bernabeu, an injury crisis has ruined his party.

Hazard has spent almost two-and-a-half years in the Spanish capital but only has a paltry five goals and nine assists to his name in 54 games.

---

#1 Philippe Coutinho

The Brazilian is currently nowhere near the level he demonstrated in the Premier League

Philippe Coutinho was quite sensational for Liverpool as he ran riot in the Premier League between 2013 and 2018. He made 152 appearances for the Reds during his stint in the English top flight, recording 41 goals and 37 assists to his name.

The Brazilian eventually left the Premier League in favor of a high-profile switch to Barcelona in January 2018. He became the most expensive player in the Blaugrana's history when he arrived for a gargatuan fee worth €160 million.

Much was expected from Coutinho at the Nou Camp but it's disheartening to see him struggle over the last couple of years. The Brazilian has a record of just 25 goals and 14 assists to his name in 104 appearances for Barcelona.