Our shortlist includes James Rodriguez, Alvaro Morata and Isco of Real Madrid, Wayne Rooney of Manchester United, Arda Turan of Barcelona and last but not least Lucas Moura of PSG.
James and Isco find themselves in an almost identical situation as they are unanimously considered players of great quality but it difficult for them to earn a permanent spot in the crowded Real Madrid midfield, where Modric, Kroos and Casemiro are almost automatic starters.
Their team-mate Morata meanwhile returned to Real in the summer from a phenomenal season at Juventus, but he is a substitution for Kareem Benzema and normally comes on late in the second half. The same applies to Arda Turan, who was one of the best players at Atletico Madrid but his role at Barcelona had to be reduced.
Rooney has already earned a place among the legends of Manchester United and recently became the club’s all-time top goalscorer, but Jose Mourinho almost always starts the veteran on the bench. Lucas Moura on the other hand would probably be a starter on most teams in the planet, but at PSG he has Angel Di Maria playing at the same position and coach Emery usually uses him only in the second half of games.