English media have a habit of overhyping English talents in the Premier League. Today, we look at seven wonderkids who failed to reach the expectations placed on them!
Click through the mini-gallery to see the seven starlets who flopped.
Overrating young talent seems a common trend in England, with Michael Owen the last English player to win a major individual award – the Ballon d'Or in 2001.
Jack Wilshere was at one point tipped to be the country's next best talent, especially after his performance against FC Barcelona in the UEFA Champions league as a 17-year-old. The midfielder, on loan from Arsenal at Bournemouth, gained many fans that night, but at 25-years-old it seems his growth has stalled.
Midfielder Josh McEachran was also tipped for greatness after coming through the ranks at Chelsea in 2010, but seven years later he is playing for Brentford in the English Championship.
Former Everton youngsters Jose Baxter and Jack Rodwell are in a similar boat to the aforementioned, with both of them considered to be outright flops.
While Jose Baxter is currently serving a 12-month ban for drug use, former Manchester City midfielder Rodwell is struggling to perform at Sunderland.
Former Newcastle youngster Nile Ranger is also someone who has failed to lived up to the hype, after having several issues with his coaches and sometimes the law.
Nathan Delfouneso, who now plays for Blackpool in League Two, was once a promising striker in the Premier League for Aston Villa, while current Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend was also once tipped to be England's first choice.
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Most of the top prospects around the world today are from Spain, Germany and Italy, while Belgium has also produced incredible players over the years.
Why do you think these players failed to meet expectations? Let us know in the comments section below.
