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Sometimes, having a big market value isn't enough to make it onto the international stage.
It's primarily because of the sheer competition for places in a national team's squad. But many a times, players also struggle for form. Either way, their international careers remain unfulfilled, with some never receiving an international call-up.
That happens to be the case with many current players too, who, despite being rated highly by their clubs, are yet to break into their national set-up.
On that note, here's a look at the most valuable XI of active players who've never been called up by their country:
Note: All data obtained from Transfermarkt.
Goalkeeper: Illan Meslier (France) - €20 million
Currently, the competition for the goalkeeping spot in the French squad is immense. Hugo Lloris seems indispensable, with Steve Mandanda, Alphonse Areola and Mike Maignon vying for their chances.
As such, Illan Meslier's prospects are very slim, but he's still only 21, younger than everyone mentioned above. So he has enough time to turn around his fortunes.
He was rewarded for his heroics in goal for Leeds United last season with the club's best young player honour. Meslier currently ranks third in the Premier League for saves made (38) in the 2021-22 campaign.
Even as the Peacocks have gone through the motions this season, Meslier has shone bright with his youthful exuberance and confidence. That has helped him garner interest from Liverpool.
Right-back: Ezri Konsa (England) - €25 million
He's predominantly a centre-back by trade. But we've shoehorned Ezri Konsa here as a full-back, although he's no stranger to operating as a right full-back.
Signed from Brentford in 2019, the 24-year-old has been a mainstay at the heart of their backline since then. He has played every minute of every league game this season until his red card against West Ham United last month.
That speaks volumes about his importance to their defence. Konsa uses his excellent reading of the game to time his tackles to perfection, and is also a strong header of the ball.
Unfortunately, his chances of breaking into Gareth Southgate's England squad appear slim for now. That's because of intense competition for places in both the centre-back and right-back positions.
Centre-back: Ibrahima Konate (France) - €35 million
When a big side like Liverpool spend £36 million for the acquisition of a 22-year-old, you know he's no ordinary talent. However, Ibrahima Konate has struggled to break into the XI since his switch from RB Leipzig.
With only three Premier League starts in the 2021-22 campaign, the young Frenchman is still fighting for his place in the Merseyside outfit's backline. But he is too talented for manager Jurgen Klopp to ignore him for too long.
Compared with Virgil van Dijk for his tackling, strength, positional play and pace, Konate is an intelligent player with tremendous potential. It's only a matter of time before he makes his France debut too.
Centre-back: Wesley Fofana (France) - €40 million
Wesley Fofana is yet to play a single minute in the 2021-22 season. That's because of a fibula fracture just a week before the start of the Premier League season.
However, the youngster played a big role in Leicester City's fifth-place finish last season. He has become a key player for them despite only moving from St. Etienne in 2020.
The 20-year-old has the potential to shine in Didider Deschamps' France squad. But given the sheer number of options in the centre-back position, it's unlikely he's going to be considered anytime soon.
As he is of Malian descent, he has the option of representing the African nation despite playing for France's under-23 side last year. It remains to be seen if he treads that route.
Left-back: Angelino (Spain) - €35 million
After struggling to find a permanent address early on in his career, Angelino has found a home in RB Leipzig. He has brought a new dimension to the side with his creativity and energetic runs down the flanks. He also possesses a keen eye for goal.
Last season, the Spaniard managed eight goals and 11 assists in 37 appearances in all competitions for the Red Bulls. That includes ten goal contributions in the Bundesliga.
So it's odd that Spain manager Luis Enrique hasn't found the player's stats impressive. Angelino has outshone Jose Gaya and Jordi Alba, Spain's current left-back choices, but he is not yet in Enrique's reckoning.
Defensive midfielder: Curtis Jones (England) - €30 million
Despite all the promising displays, Curtis Jones' stint at Liverpool has largely been a stop-start one. That's because he's yet to break into Klopp's XI and nail down a spot. His talents, though, are undeniable, as the 20-year-old has grown by leaps and bounds under the German manager.
Jones has impressed in the defensive midfield role with his neat footwork while also showing excellent composure to wriggle his way out of tight spaces.
He's no longer just a talented prospect. Last month, Jones made his 50th appearance for The Reds, an indication of his importance to the team. Considering the same, it may not be too long before he dons the fabled white colours of England.
Defensive Midfielder: Joan Jordan (Spain) - €30 million
Joan Jordan has made serious strides in La Liga in the last four years, making it difficult to understand why he has not yet made his Spain debut. Following two impressive seasons at Eibar, the midfielder moved to Sevilla in 2019, where he has transformed into a fabulous holding midfielder.
At 27, it might be a bit too late for him to start his international career. But Jordan is currently in the prime of his life, and could be useful to Spain's midfield set-up because of his experience.
Right Winger: Jarrod Bowen (England) - €30 million
Jarrod Bowen started his Premier League career in 2016 with Hull City. But it's only after moving to West Ham that he has truly become a hot prospect. In 70 games for The Hammers, the winger has contributed 27 goals, including six in the current Premier League campaign from 11 outings.
Strong on the ball and blessed with incredible dribbling skills, he likes to cut inside onto his left foot and find the corner. That has drawn him parallels with Bayern Munich legend Arjen Robben.
England are packed to the rafters in the attacking department. But if Bowen maintains this form going forward, Gareth Southgate might call him up soon.
Attacking Midfielder: Christopher Nkunku (France) - €47 million
As the most valuable player on the list and the most notable talent, it's difficult to believe that Christopher Nkunku is yet to feature for France.
Deschamps has received plenty of criticism for Nkunku's omission. But he's said to be closely monitoring the star, which augurs well for the young playmaker's chances.
Nkunku is currently in the finest form of his career, scoring 11 times and making seven assists in 17 games. That includes a wonderful hat-trick against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League, albeit in a losing cause.
One of the most in-form players in Europe right now, Nkunku exudes incredible attacking flair. He with electric speed, has excellent ball-control, and possesses uncanny set-piece prowess as well.
France are already stacked with offensive players, so Nkunku's addition is only going to augment that area.
Left Winger: Allan Saint-Maxim (France) - €30 million
Yet another French prospect waiting in the wings for his international chance is Allan Saint-Maximin. He has finally started to deliver on the promise he arrived at Newcastle United with.
The 24-year-old has the highest goal contribution in the Premier League this season in the Magpies squad, with five. He has scored twice, and assisted thrice.
Besides his end-product, Saint-Maxim has also improved his decision-making while also exhibiting a greater sense of maturity. He has all the makings of a star. Should he continue this form, he might break into France's senior team soon.
Striker: Amine Gouiri (France) - €35 million
Amine Gouiri's heroics in Ligue 1 this season haven't been talked about enough. But he has quietly had an impeccable campaign with Nice, driving their top-four ambitions with his imperious attacking exploits.
His tally of six top-flight goals is bettered only by four players in the league. His tally of four assists brings his goal contribution to 10, which is second only to Kylian Mbappe (12).
Blessed with electric speed and devastating finishing skills, the 21-year-old player is a huge threat on the break, and has an eye for passes. France have plenty of strikers in their squad, but Gouiri's form will soon become too difficult to ignore.
