There are superstars and there are rising stars. There are seasoned veterans and there are hidden gems. Then there are those looking for a final chance at redemption and a revival of their stagnating careers…
In this list, let’s look at 10 players for whom this could be the last opportunity to revive their careers.
15. Grzegorz Krychowiak
The 28 year-old’s career started off as well as he could’ve hoped for, getting a break in French football at former two-time European Cup finalists, Stade de Reims, before earning a move to the then Europa League winners, Sevilla, in 2014. Krychowiak would be an integral part of the Andalusian club, winning two more Europa League titles in the next two seasons – and even scoring in the 2015 final against Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk. In 2016, he had a host of top European clubs after his services. However, the Polish international’s career took a downhill turn after a promising-looking £25m move to PSG didn’t turn out the way he would’ve liked.
Out of favour at the French giants, he made only 11 league appearances in the 2016/17 season before joining lowly West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League for the 2017/18 season in an attempt to resurrect his World Cup 2018 bid. After making 27 league appearances for West Brom this past season, his career is seemingly back on track as he goes back to Paris from his loan spell. A great showing at the World Cup for Poland could do wonders for his chances at first-team football either at PSG or somewhere else in Europe.
14. Thomas Vermaelen
At 32, Thomas Vermaelen is entering the twilight of his career. However, as a centre-back, he could still have his best performances ahead of him. Although he is unlikely to break the Tottenham partnership of Alderweireld and Vertonghen at the heart of Belgium’s defence or usurp Vincent Kompany as reliable back-up, Belgium’s weak spot in recent times has been left-back.
The former Arsenal captain has shown he is more than adept at playing in the centre and the left side of defence, and this could be his opportunity to showcase what he can do by putting in a few consistent performances in Belgium’s bid for a first major trophy. Seen as a back-up option at Barcelona, he could still cut it at the top level if he can show the level of performances in Russia which convinced Arsene Wenger to hand him the captain’s armband at the North London club.
13. Victor Lindelof
It has been a shaky first season at Manchester United for the still very young, Victor Lindelof. At 23, the Swede has plenty of time to find his feet in England. 29 appearances overall in your first season is not bad but the English media is always quick to put the spotlight on you if you’re anything short of world class and playing for a big club in England. Expected to solve United’s defensive woes after arriving from Benfica, Lindelof is yet to convince many.
After starting only 13 games in the league this past season, he’ll be hoping an impressive run of performances at the heart of Sweden’s defence is enough to convince Jose Mourinho of a consistent starting place in the United defence.
Happy 29th birthday to Javier Hernández!
He's scored more goals (47) for Mexico than any other footballer in history. 🇲🇽
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— Squawka Football (@Squawka) June 1, 2017
12. Javier Hernandez
Chicharito has consistently shown over the past few years that he is more than the ‘super-sub’ that Sir Alex Ferguson frequently used him as at Manchester United. Hernandez has been a reliable goalscorer since leaving United, including scoring 26 in 43 for Bayer Leverkusen in the 2015/16 season.
He experienced an injury-hit campaign for West Ham last season, but his natural instinct and finishing ability are enough to assure us that, regardless of where the 30 year-old ends up for one final goal rush, he has the potential to lead the line and score a few.
11. Aleksandar Mitrovic
It is easy to forget that Aleksandar Mitrovic is still only 23. Joining Newcastle for big money three years ago, he seemed to be destined for greatness. A great reputation at Belgian giants Anderlecht preceded him, helped by a goal-scoring record of 44 in 90. However, he had to endure a rough start to life at Tyneside, scoring only 9 goals in 34 league appearances in his first season as Newcastle experienced relegation to the second tier. In the Championship, his form did not get much better, scoring only 4 times in 25 games.
Disciplinary issues did not help as his reputation deteriorated. A loan spell at Fulham this past season, however, has seemingly rejuvenated his career – with the forward scoring 12 in 17 since joining in January 2018. Serbia will be hoping he can carry his Fulham form into the World Cup and help them past a tough-looking group, which also involves Brazil, Switzerland, and Costa Rica.