Though Witsel perhaps isn't a household name just yet, the Belgian midfielder's stock is on the rise and he would have been a welcome addition to Blackburn's midfield in 2010. The former Standard Liege man was carving out quite a reputation for himself in the Pro League, with his physicality and tough tackling making for a tenacious young presence in the centre of the park, landing him on the radars of a host of European clubs. After agreeing a £5 million deal with Rovers, with Witsel keen to test himself against the rigours of the Premier League, new owners Venkys ended the transfer saga by pulling the plug - as a result of the Pune-based investors falling out with his representatives. The Belgium international slipped through Kean's fingers and into the open embrace of Benfica, from which the afro-boasting midfielder has moved onto the Russian league with Zenit. He was a snip at £8 million for the Portuguese giants, given how the 25-year-old continued to improve. Earning himself a starting berth in his nation's golden generation at the 2014 World Cup, Blackburn had the chance to snare a young gem with the potential to source the long-term anchor for their midfield. Hard in the tackle, with an eye for a pass and the physical attributes required to succeed in the English top flight, Rovers could have had a real star.
