Superstars such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have displayed great consistency throughout their incredible careers, but how many stars have failed to live up to their potential? Here are 10 of football's biggest wasted talents.
Click through the gallery above to see 10 of the game's biggest wasted talents, according to Sportskeeda.
Nice striker Mario Balotelli is on the list that was put together by Sportskeeda, despite the forward still being a current international with Italy. Many believed he would go on to become one of the world's best strikers when he broke through at Inter Milan in 2007, but after troublesome spells at Manchester City, AC Milan and Liverpool, the 28-year-old has not achieved what he was expected to.
Former City winger Adam Johnson is included on the list, as is ex-Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu. The Romanian joined the Blues as a major talent in 2003, but left just a season later after failing a drug test while under contract at Chelsea.
Royston Drenthe, a former Real Madrid player, is also considered a wasted talent by Sportskeeda, as is Giovani dos Santos, who came through the ranks at FC Barcelona in 2008. Although the 29-year-old Mexican has represented his country on 107 occasions, his club career has been rather forgettable.
Former Manchester United midfielder Anderson is another player the publication believes did not fulfil his potential after joining the Red Devils as one of the hottest prospects in Europe.
The Brazilian was wanted by many clubs before he signed for United in 2007, but he failed to have the impact many thought he would. Anderson scored just nine times in 181 appearances for the English giants before going back to Brazil.
Despite being supremely talented, Antonio Cassano's temper often got in the way of his career, causing fallouts at almost every club he played for. At Roma, he had spats with then manager Fabio Capello and club legend Francesco Totti, before he moved to Spanish giants Real, where his ill-discipline ensured he would not be a successful signing.
Former FC Porto, Barcelona, Chelsea and Inter Milan attacker Ricardo Quaresma also features, as does the skilful Adel Taarabt, who was once even tipped to be the "next Zinedine Zidane".
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Ex-Selecao forward Adriano is a name that could not be left off the list, of course, due to the tremendous talent he possessed. Powerful, pacey and great with the ball at his feet, the former Inter forward was once one of the most feared strikers in Europe, but his career took a sad turn for the worse due to depression.
Which of these stars do you wish could have reached their potential? Let us know in the comments section below.
