Overrated Premier League Players who Have Already Been Exposed This Season

As we enter the second international period of the Premier League season, let us gaze back at what has happened thus far and judge those who haven't quite lived up to the hype thus far.

Some may well point to the early nature of the season, we are after all only seven games in, but in spite of that there are players country wide who have disappointed for one reason or another.

Be it a striker who is struggling to continue to add to a stunning start last term, a goalkeeper who has set himself high standards through his Premiership career, or an import which to some extent shocked the footballing world.

You may well have already figured out the three players who Sports Portal are going to highlight are, but if you haven't let us talk you through our reasons and why they feature.

Papiss Cisse - Newcastle United

One major reason why Newcastle soared to a fifth placed finish in the Premier League last season, was their january acquisition of Papiss Demba Cisse from Bundesliga side Freiburg.

Here his impressive goalscoring record had impressed many around Europe, and he also became the African to have scored the most goals in one season in Germany.

After arriving in the North-East he plundered 13 goals, many of which were wonder strikes, and it seemed he was something of a bargain.

This season has been an eye opener, however, and he has struggled to find the back of the net.

He two goals in the 2012/13 campaign coming in the League Cup against Manchester United, and at home to Bordeaux in the Europa League.

Those connected with the club will point to the young nature of the season, but will secretly be hoping he can net a Premier League goal sooner rather than later,

They will not want a Fernando Torres esque situation from last season happening.

Pepe Reina - Liverpool

For many reasons Pepe Reina may well be a Liverpool legend, after all he has displaced many previous records held at the club.

In December 2005, just a few short months after being recruited by Rafael Benitez, he chalked up 11 successive clean sheets.

In addition to this he recorded 28 shut outs in his first fifty games, surpassing the great Ray Clemence.
 
On top of that for three straight season he triumphed in winning the Premier League Golden Gloves, and performed heroics, albeit after some questionable goalkeeping, in the 2006 FA Cup final.

This season though some rather high profile gaffes have begun to creep in, on an all to frequent basis.

Of course those who stand between the sticks are on a small wire between success and failure, but it is always worrying when these mistakes creep in a little too much.

After last seasons poor showing Liverpool are keen to climb back up the league, and Reina will be hoping he can put in some stellar performances to help with that quest.

Julio Cesar - Queens Park Rangers

A Goalkeeper who arrived at Loftus Road with a big reputation, having enjoyed huge success during a seven year stay at Italian giants Inter Milan.

After joining in 2005 he quickly established himself as number one, overtaking the legendary Francesco Toldo, and set about bringing five Scudetti and a Champions League title to the club amongst other honours.

When Samir Handanovic arrived in the summer, having played nearly 200 times for Udinese, it spelt the end of the Brazlians stay at the San Siro though.

The two time Seria A goalkeeper of the year and 2009 Uefa Club Goalkeeper of the Year set off for England, determined to show his former employers they were wrong to get rid.

However, he has only proved what they perhaps already knew, that he is no longer part of the elite goalkeeping community.

It is harsh to lay the blame at one man for a club being bottom of the league, but his decision making has hardly been exemplary.

If he can improve between the sticks QPR may have a chance, if this slide continues it is difficult to see if they can raise themselves from the abyss.

Could Ajax Duo be Heading to the Premiership?

The Dutch club is revered worldwide for the undoubted quality that has come through what seems like the revolving door of its academy.

Marco Van Basten, Patrick Kluivert, Frank Rijkaard and the mercurial Johan Cryuff are just some of the household names that we can thank the Dutch club for introducing to the world.

Now it seems two of the new breed could be set for moves away, but could their destination be England and the Premier League?

Long Term

Christian Eriksen has reportedly been a long-term target for many an English club, one particular example being Manchester United, who are again being mooted as a potential destination .

The playmaker turned down a proposal from neighbours Manchester City last summer, but as the Sunday Mirror is reporting, two clubs have already opened talks with his club this year.

One of those is reportedly Russian outfit Zenit St Petersburg, but the 20-year-old has previously spoken of his desire to join either Barcelona or Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

Possessing a speed in spotting openings and quick decision making it is no doubt this creativity that stands out as a primary attribute, but could this ensure he is a success in England should he arrive?

Balancing

Despite having already sold Jan Vertonghen to Tottenham Hotspur, it is thought that Ajax still have to sell to balance the books.

This has led Vernon Anita to continue to be linked away from the reigning Eredivisie champions.

It is Newcastle United who are believed to be leading the race to secure his signature, having been mentioned in the same breath for some time.

Speaking to the Sunday Mirror, Anita's agent Harry Lulofs said: “There is serious interest from Newcastle. A move to the Premier League is so tempting for him. We have to resolve the situation quickly.”

The player himself added: "I’ve two years left on my contract. But I want some clarity from Ajax about my ­future. We are having a meeting with Marc ­Overmars, the club’s new sporting director, to get a clear view of what the club wants.”

Would the man who is equally adept at left-back and defensive midfield be a good addition at the Sports Direct Arena?

Transfer flops - Hugo Viana

Viana in his Newcastle days

A young promising midfield prodigy arrived at Newcastle United in 2002 on the crest of a wave, but shied away through the back door three years later after a miserable spell.

Hugo Viana began his career at Sporting Lisbon, and hit the ground running by turning in a string of tremendous performances in his debut season.  This captured the attention of clubs Europe wide, with Fifa also sitting up and taking note.

The worlds governing body awarded 19-year-old Viana the Young European Footballer of the Year award, which was enough to persuade Bobby Robson to part with his cash and bring him to Newcastle United.  A fee of around £8.5m saw Sporting part with their young starlet, and expectations about the youngster around St James Park were certainly high.

Unfortunately his big move didn't go according to plan, as you have now probably gathered by the title, and his career in the northeast quickly turned sour.  After two dismal years he was loaned back to his old club, before returning and quickly being shipped out once again.

This time it was to Valencia, where an initial years loan was made permanent for around £1.5m the following year.  This marked a huge loss for Newcastle, but also another chance for Viana to show he wasn't a flash in the pan.  He again flattered to deceive and after two years in which the half century appearance mark again fell out of range, as with Newcastle, another loan spell followed.

This time it was with La Liga rivals Osasuna followed by a trip back home with Sporting Braga the following year.  It was the latter move that was again made permanent, where he remains to this day.  One of his best day's back home came just over two months ago, when, with the game tied at 0-0 he scored from his own half in the 94th minute.

On the international front he represented Portugal under-21s for three years, before progressing up the ranks.  Withe the seniors he has travelled to two World Cups, one European Championship and an Olympics.

Transfer flops - Jonathan Woodgate

Sports Portal hopes all it's readers had a lovely festive season, and apologises for the lack of posts.  You see, we like to gorge ourselves too.  But we are back and ready to crack on, with another in our transfer flops series.

When Real Madrid decided to splash out on English centre back Jonathan Woodgate, it kick started a chain of events that swayed the fine line between horrendously tragic and outright hilarious.  After possibly the worst debut one could imagine things didn't exactly get better, double figures of appearances was just reached, injuries reared their ugly head and an unwanted award was attained.  However before we delve deeper, let's see how his career went before the big move to La Liga.

After beginning his career at hometown club Middlesbrough, a teenage Woodgate was quickly on the move to Yorkshire and Leeds United in 1996 after disagreements between his family and the club.  Here it took two years to crack into the first team, where it really began to take off.  During his five years at the club he became a mainstay of the defence, being described as the 'jewel in the crown.'  But as the clubs terrible financial predicament came to light Peter Risdale cashed in, much to the dismay of the fans who also saw Terry Venebles follow out of the exit door.

Being paraded by Real Madrid at the Bernabeu

Newcastle United was his next destination, where a series of stunning displays established Woodgate as a firm favourite amongst the Toon Army.  However this is where the start of the problems began, with a serious injury ending his 2003/04 Premier League season early.

This is where the foray onto the continent materialised, with Real Madrid spending over £13m for a player that was injured.  Woodgate spent his entire first season at the Bernabeu sidelined, and had to wait until September 2005 to finally take to the pitch in the resplendent white synonymous of the club.  Though it didn't exactly go to plan, with an own goal followed by a sending off.  After briefly, and I mean briefly, flirting with success it was soon snatched away with another injury.  Since his departure, users of Spanish daily Marca voted him the worst football signing ever with 37.11% going to the Englishman.

It was back home in the truest sense of the word for Woodgate, where a successful year long loan at Middlesbrough was turned into a £7m move ahead of the 2007/08 Premiership season.  During the season though more injury troubles reared their head, with David Wheater taking his place and retaining it, meaning no way back.  Due to this it meant another move was on the cards, this time to White Hart Lane.

Woodgate upon signing for Stoke City

Initially life at Tottenham Hotspur seemed to suit Woodgate, where he settled in and was even handed the captaincy a few months after signing.  But once again injuries took their toll, and his appearances dwindled due to a virtual standstill.  After a lot of persistence Harry Redknapp decided to cut the clubs losses, after the player apparently rejected a pay as you play deal, and he was released.

All was not lost for Woodgate though, and Tony Pulis gave the defender another chance in the Premier League at Stoke City.  This time the pay as you play deal was accepted, and after a stellar start to life at The Brittania Stadium his level of performances have since fallen.  What could possibly happen next in the topsy turvy career of Jonathan Woodgate?

Newcastle United

After the shock relegation, the bizarre sacking of Chris Hughton who led them back to the Premier League and some strange goings on with keep players so far this summer Newcastle are definitely back. Although without the ludicrous expectations which blighted them years ago. Alan Pardew seems to have a unity within the squad, and despite the sale of star striker Andy Carroll in January they still finished the season well. Last seasons 12th place should well be in reach.

Goalkeeper

Once upon a time this was a position that that The Magpies never need to worry about, all that has changed now. Steve Harper is a good quick fix, while Fraser Forster will be number one before Tim Krul. Not a great deal of quality, but plenty of potential, and it is maybe that potential that encourages Alan Pardew not to sign someone new.

Defence

Captain Fabricio Coloccini seems to have regained composure and quality, that seemed to be lacking when he first made the switch from La Liga to the Premier League. Elsewhere there is strength but no real big physical presence. The potential departure of Jose Enrique also takes away some threat up the flank, which will need to be sorted out.

Midfield

One key man Kevin Nolan has left while last seasons player of the season Joey Barton doesn't look to far behind. Two new men have already arrived to add some strength, while key man Hatem Ben Arfa was a huge miss after receiving that season ending injury in the winter. Jonas Gutierrez can also help the Frenchman with his creative juices, which bodes well for the free flowing attacking game plan taking hold at St James' Park.

Forwards

After the record sale of Carroll it was expected that they would struggle up front, but Pardew reinvigorated his team and especially strike force to ensure a good finish. However they needed some fresh attacking talent and now that has arrived in the shape of Demba Ba. It does seem another attacker of real quality should be added though.

Manager

Pardew has worked wonders since he was made boss, following Hughton's departure. The squad has a unity and the fans even seem to be on side, very good steps to achieving Premiership consolidation.

Areas to Strengthen

A new goalkeeper would improve the squad, but in the not too distant future one of their young guns will be more than ready to step up. A new striker to partner Ba and provide a real goal threat, and all round strengthening to ensure a squad is in place to challenge on fronts all season.

Expectations

After relegation, Newcastle fans have really reeled in their expectations following the title wins that was once demanded. Consolidation with small steps forward will be enough to satisfy the fiercest of loyal fans.

Odd2000/1 (Sky Bet)

Players in

Yohann Cabaye £5m (Lille), Demba Ba free (West Ham United), Mehdi Abeid free (Lens), Sylvain Marveaux free (Rennes), Gabriel Obertan undisclosed (Manchester United) Davide Santon £5m (Inter Milan)

Players out

Kevin Nolan £4 (West Ham United) Jose Enrique £6m (Liverpool) Joey Barton free (Queens Park Rangers) Wayne Routledge £2m (Swansea City) Ben Tozer free (Northampton Town) Daniel Leadbitter free (Torquay United) Patrick McLaughlin free (York City) Kazenga Lualua loan (Brighton and Hove Albion) Xisco loan (Deportivo La Coruna) Fraser Forster free (Celtic) Jamer Tavernier loan (Carlisle United) Shefki Kuqi, Sol Campbell, Nathan Evans, Andy Mogwo (all released)

Transfer flops: Bruno Cheyrou

With a good footballing history behind him, and interest from all over the Europe the future looked rosey for one of many French prodigies.Unfortunately for him, from the moment he arrived at Liverpool the burden imposed upon him was far too great.
Maybe one of the worst statements made by a manager about a new signing was heaped upon his shoulders. This was of course the moment Gerard Houllier described Cheyrou as 'the next Zinedine Zidane.' Huge mistake.

After what was a fruitful pre-season, it rapidly went downhill. Despite making a debut for the French national team shortly after signing in the summer of 2002 for £4.5m. In a four year Anfield career Cheyrou failed to reach even a half century of appearances. And when he did feature he often looked lost on the pitch, unsure of what to do and where his best position was. In short he could perhaps of been a talent wasted, but more than likely he just wasn't up to the demands of the Premier League.

There was however a brief patch when things looked like they could turn round in the 2003/04 season, and he could have an Anfield future after all. Cheyrou's most memorable game was at Stamford Bridge, where a first half strike earned his side a 1-0 victory over Chelsea. A short time later he also bagged a brace at Anfield, as Liverpool defeated Newcastle United 2-1. Could Cheyrou have a future after all?

No he couldn't. After two loan spells back to France, Marseille 2004/05 and Bordeaux 2005/06, came the inevitable sale with Rennes swooping. After a three year stay he had a short spell in Greece with Anorthosis Famagusta, before moving back to France with FC Nantes.