11 Extremely Talented Premier League Footballers That Were Ruined By Injuries
What Could Have Been...
Since the Premier League began back in 1992, we've been treated to some extraordinary talent. Whether it be gifted goal-scorers like Thierry Henry, cat-like shot-stoppers like Peter Schmeichel or midfield maestros like Steven Gerrard, England has been truly blessed with some of the world's best.
Football is no fairytale land, however. Not all remarkably talented individuals go on to do great things, and not all go on to have a well-sustained career. For every player that made it to the top, there are dozens that never quite made the grade in England's top flight. It only takes one tackle, one turn or one traumatic experience to bring an abrupt end to any player's footballing journey - regardless of their reputation, potential and talent.
Who really remembers the 'could-have-beens' though? Sporting history tends not to care for those that could have achieved amazing things, but fell short for one reason or another.
From a Ballon d'Or winner, six England internationals and the former most expensive British goalkeeper of all time, the Premier League, sadly, is not short of talented players whom tragically had their career halted by injury.
11. Craig Gordon
Though 32 year-old Craig Gordon currently plays for Scotland's biggest club and can boast 43 international caps, it could have been so much more. The Celtic shot-stopper was hot property back in 2007, after impressing between the sticks for Hearts for several years. Premier League outfit Sunderland decided to pay a British record fee for a goalkeeper (£9m), and brought the then 24 year-old to Wearisde - fending off interest from Manchester City.
Though he made 34 league appearances in his debut season at Sunderland, Gordon began to have serious injury problems. As well as breaking his arm, the Scottish international had multiple knee injuries which limited him to just 95 appearances in five years on Wearside.
After spending two years as a free agent when he left Sunderland in 2012, Gordon was eventually snapped up by SPL champions Celtic. He has since made 70 appearances for the Glasgow club, and has even been recalled to the Scotland squad.
In spite of rebuilding his reputation somewhat in the last couple of years, many feel Gordon's potential was barely tapped into due to how much time he spent on the treatment table.