There is no cast iron reason as to why certain players and football clubs fail to fulfil their potential, given their apparent abilities and the opportunities that present them. Sometimes it is bad luck, right club wrong time, or simply that the attitude of the respective personnel just isn’t right. Everyone has their own reason for underachievement and they will undoubtedly live to regret the missed opportunity one day.

The Premier League has had its fair share of nearly men over the years and every club can cite at least a handful of players that they expected so much from and ultimately received so little in return. I have compiled a top ten highlighting who I perceive to be the greatest underachievers during the Premier League era and there have certainly been some genuine disappointments.

Click on Alan Smith to unveil the top 10

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