Premier League: The "benched XI" of the season
English Premier League is the most competitive league in the world. The league boasts the highest number of title contenders (with 6) while no other league has more than three. Also, the domestic football schedule is the most hectic of all. In England, there are three titles to play for- The Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup.
The thrill of such competitive football generates some record-breaking revenues for the teams. As a result of which, they splash monstrous sums of money in the transfer market. Last summer alone, English teams spent £1.4 billion to make some eye-catching acquisitions across Europe.
Teams have been bolstering their squads with some sensational talent to provide them the much-needed depth. The fixture pile-up at the turn of the year accompanied with the FA Cup and League Cup ties are tackled by such players who ease the workload of the main XI. Thus, the bench strength of the best teams in England is unmatched to anywhere else in the world.
That said, we take a look at the Premier League's benched XI of the season so far.
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper
Sergio Romero (Manchester United)
It would have been cruel on the Argentine if he was benched at United if David De Gea wasn't the team's first choice. Such is the quality of Argentine number #1 that only De Gea can outplace him regularly.
The 30-year-old has not made a single Premier League appearance so far for Man United this season. However, he has been Jose's first choice for the cup ties where he has been exceptional and is yet to concede a goal.
Sergio Romero guards the net of Premier League's benched XI of the season so far.