While football is a team sport and individual performances can vary, some players have struggled to live up to expectations in the 2024-2025 season. Poor performances, mistakes, and a lack of consistency often lead to low ratings from football analysts and fans alike. Here are some of the worst-rated players of the season so far, based on their performances, statistics, and ratings from popular football analytics platforms:
1. Kepa Arrizabalaga (Chelsea)
- Position: Goalkeeper
- Reason for Low Ratings: Kepa has had several shaky performances this season, leading to mistakes in crucial moments. His inconsistency, especially in the air and with positioning, has resulted in lower ratings.
- Key Issues: Poor handling of crosses, lack of command in the penalty area, and occasional blunders leading to goals.
- Rating: Kepa has frequently been rated below 6.0 on platforms like WhoScored and SofaScore for performances where he conceded multiple goals or made critical errors.
2. Harry Maguire (Manchester United)
- Position: Center-Back
- Reason for Low Ratings: Maguire has struggled with his defensive positioning, ball distribution, and general decision-making. His high-profile errors have cost Manchester United points in several matches.
- Key Issues: Poor clearances, slow decision-making, and being caught out of position. His struggles in handling speedier forwards have also been noted.
- Rating: Maguire has often received match ratings in the 4.5–5.5 range due to costly mistakes or lackluster defensive performances.
3. Marcos Alonso (Chelsea)
- Position: Left-Back
- Reason for Low Ratings: Alonso has faced criticism for his poor defensive performances. While he has the offensive capability to contribute, his defensive lapses have been too frequent.
- Key Issues: Lack of pace, poor positioning, and inconsistent defensive contributions. At times, he has struggled against more mobile wingers.
- Rating: Alonso’s ratings have often dipped below 6.0 due to these defensive deficiencies, especially in big games where Chelsea has conceded multiple goals.
4. Romelu Lukaku (Inter Milan)
- Position: Forward
- Reason for Low Ratings: Lukaku has struggled to find his form this season, with poor finishing and a lack of involvement in key attacking moments. His touch and positioning have been underwhelming.
- Key Issues: Missed chances, poor first touch, and lack of movement off the ball. He has not been able to replicate his previous scoring form consistently.
- Rating: Lukaku has earned several ratings below 5.5 in matches where he missed key chances or failed to make a significant impact.
5. Paul Pogba (Juventus)
- Position: Midfielder
- Reason for Low Ratings: Pogba’s return to Juventus has been far from smooth. He has struggled with fitness, consistency, and defensive duties. His performances have lacked the usual flair and decisiveness.
- Key Issues: Lack of defensive discipline, slow ball progression, and frequent injuries. Pogba has also been criticized for his poor passing and decision-making under pressure.
- Rating: Pogba has had several ratings in the low 5s due to ineffective performances in midfield and being overwhelmed in matches.
6. Vincent Aboubakar (Al-Nassr)
- Position: Forward
- Reason for Low Ratings: Aboubakar has failed to make a significant impact at Al-Nassr, struggling with poor link-up play and finishing in front of goal. He has been inconsistent and often isolated in the attack.
- Key Issues: Lack of chemistry with teammates, poor positioning in the box, and missed chances.
- Rating: His ratings often fall below 6.0, especially when he fails to contribute to his team’s attacking efforts.
7. Sergi Roberto (Barcelona)
- Position: Midfielder
- Reason for Low Ratings: Roberto has struggled to provide much in terms of creative spark or defensive solidity this season. His performances have been below the level expected from a player of his experience.
- Key Issues: Slow decision-making, poor distribution in midfield, and lack of dynamism in the Barcelona system.
- Rating: Roberto has earned low ratings due to poor passing and limited impact on the game, often being rated below 6.0.
8. Nicolas Pépé (Arsenal)
- Position: Winger
- Reason for Low Ratings: Pépé’s inconsistency has been a major problem for Arsenal. He has shown flashes of brilliance but has often failed to deliver in key moments. His poor decision-making and lack of end-product have been noted.
- Key Issues: Poor finishing, low contribution to the build-up play, and lack of creativity in wide positions.
- Rating: Pépé has received ratings around 5.0–5.5 in games where he failed to impact the scoreline or offer much defensively.
9. Yerry Mina (Everton)
- Position: Center-Back
- Reason for Low Ratings: Mina’s performances have been marred by inconsistent defensive displays, as well as his inability to maintain focus during critical moments of matches.
- Key Issues: Lack of concentration leading to errors, slow in reacting to dangerous crosses, and occasional lapses in marking.
- Rating: Mina has been rated poorly in several games, with ratings often falling under 6.0 after defensive mishaps.
10. Cédric Soares (Arsenal)
- Position: Right-Back
- Reason for Low Ratings: Soares has struggled to impress whenever he’s been called upon, particularly with his defensive positioning and lack of offensive contributions.
- Key Issues: Slow reactions, poor crosses into the box, and lack of stability in the defensive third.
- Rating: Soares has often earned ratings below 5.5 in games where Arsenal’s defense was exposed or failed to create offensive opportunities.
Why These Players Struggle:
- Consistency Issues: Many of the players listed have struggled to maintain consistency, which is crucial for high ratings.
- Injuries: Injuries have also played a part in the lack of consistent performances from players like Pogba and Lukaku.
- Tactical Misfit: Some players like Lukaku and Pépé have found it difficult to adapt to the tactical systems of their teams.
- High Expectations: Players like Pogba, Kepa, and Maguire have high expectations placed upon them, which makes their mistakes more noticeable.