Footballers Who Flopped

Over the years we have had football players who were predicted stardom; from an early age they performed at a top level, but shamefully in football things don't always work out for the best. We are going to look at some of the players in particular.


David Bentley-Recently released Spurs man Bentley seemed destined for international glory; a graduate of the Arsenal Youth academy, subsequently leaving for a loan spell with Norwich where he performed well and started to look the part on the right side of midfield, after leaving Arsenal David permanently Joined Blackburn Rovers; a move that would suit himself and the club.
After establishing himself as a their first choice right midfielder things started to look great for the once described 'David Beckham' notable scoring a ha-trick against Manchester United, It seemed inevitable that his big money move would come and it did, £15 million was the deal that sent him to Tottenham Hotspur,
Although things soon plummeted for David and he soon found himself shipped out on loan to various clubs, with underwhelming results. With Bentley being released and not far off of 29 it's more than likely that David is looking for one more big move, with Stoke being touted as the destination' being reunited with old boss Mark Hughes could do David Bentley some good.



Jeremie Aliadiere-Another product of the Arsenal Youth academy, a player Arsene Wenger and the Arsenal staff rated highly and looked like the long term replacement for Thierry Henry.
Like Bentley Jeremie found himself sent out on loan on a regular basis but failed to capitalise on the hype that followed him. Eventually leaving North London in 2007; Jeremie moved Teeside to Middlesborough, admittedly notching up a few good performances for the club but still far from the glory most Arsenal fans hoped he could achieve. Aliadiere found himself released by Middlesborough 3 years after joining as the club decided against renewing his contract, after bad various trials with West Ham and Blackpool being cut short by injury; Jeremie returned to France with Lorient and has seemed to revel in returning home, playing well and rediscovering the form that had many critics once backing him, with interest resurfacing from the Premier League it could be possible that we could see him playing back in England.


Kieron Dyer-Former Ipswich Town Starlet Kieron Dyer has had more breaks than Evil Knievel, a V.I.P to the medical room. Injuries have followed Kieron throughout his career, hindering his chance to show any real consistency with his form. Joining Newcastle back in 1999 Kieron would go on to play close to 200 games for the Toon army but could have played so many more if it wasn't for his persistent injury troubles. Joining West Ham back in 2007 it was hoped that the worst of Dyer's injury problems were behind him but shamefully not, as his leg was broke in a League cup game against Bristol Rovers, a big blow for the club and player. After a lengthly lay off Dyer returned but the so did the injuries; prohibiting him the chance the to ever get his West Ham career going.
After his contract expired Kieron Joined QPR where injuries would once again dictate the duration of his stay making just a handful of appearances, since leaving Kieron joined Middlesborough and although he avoided the injuries he was let go recently by the club, despite the constant injury troubles Kieron has made over 30 appearances for England, much more than most.


Alan Smith-Yorkshire born Lad Alan Smith made his debut for Leeds aged 18 and went on to become a key player for the club, naturally a striker he quickly became regarded as a massive talent in English football. After completing a move to Champions Manchester United Alan looked as if his career would unfold quite nicely, with his first season mainly hampered by injury Smith returned and notched up some good performances being known for his work rate and stern attitude, after suffering a horrific injury while attempting to block John Arne Riise which left Smith with a broken leg and dislocated ankle Smith was kept out for a while.
On his return his was continuously preferred in the central midfield position instead of a Striker. 3 years after arriving in Manchester Alan left for Newcastle playing over 80 games for Newcastle but failing to find the net.
With much speculation surrounding his future Smith went on long to League 1 Mk Dons a move that would eventually lead to a permanent move, played as a midfielder permanently Smith isn't the player he once was and within a few years his career has went down considerably.


Other notable mentions could include Freddy Adu, Collins John, Stephen Ireland, and Harry Kewell