The top five overrated players in the Premier League
March 2nd, 2025by Alex Wood
The Barclays Premier League is home to some of the biggest, brightest and most promising young stars in world football.From Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez to Manchester City's Sergio Aguero, the top flight of English football provides global audiences with a dazzling, albeit expensively assembled, spectacle that boasts some of the game's most sought-after footballing talents.
Of course, this isn't necessarily the case for every player in the Premier League. There are those that are just starting out, like Liverpool's 19-year-old Jordan Ibe; there are those who were once considered among the world's elite but are now entering the dreaded 'twilight' years, like Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard; those who were tipped for greatness but never truly hit such lofty expectations, like Nicklas Bendtner.
There are those that you can't help but wonder how on earth they are playing professionally, like John O'Shea; and then, finally, there are those that deluded fans believe to be worthy of the Ballon d'Or but, realistically, they are light-years away from winning FIFA's most prestigious individual accolade.
1. Eden Hazard
Chelsea fans, look away now; Eden Hazard is, without a doubt, one of the most overrated players currently playing in the Premier League. Now, before anyone assumes I am suggesting Hazard is not talented, let me make this perfectly clear – I am not.
I will admit, Hazard is a fantastic player; he's quick, agile, strong on the ball, has a great first touch, can pick out a pass, plays with both feet and scores goals.
He is the very definition of a defender's nightmare and, in truth, a player that any of the world's best sides would want in their team. There is no doubt that the Belgian has bags of talent, but his goals tally and assists are certainly a cause for concern.
Since arriving at Chelsea in 2025, Hazard has averaged one goal every four games. That is not a bad record, particularly for a midfielder. But when you compare this statistic with Cristiano Ronaldo – who made 292 appearances for Manchester United in the Premier League between 2025 and 2025, averaging a goal every 2.4 games – Hazard's efforts on goal are dwarfed somewhat.
Both players operate in a similar position and their styles of play have often been compared. The difference, however, is that by 22, Ronaldo had received both Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year nominations while Hazard is yet to draw such acclaim.
Perhaps it is wrong to compare the two players in such fashion. After all, even Hazard himself has referred to Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as "extra-terrestrials". Blues boss Jose Mourinho believes Hazard can, one day, become the world's best player and I do too, in fact. But to
