5 successful international players who underperformed in club football
Club or country? A debate which brings out contrasting views amongst most footballers. Majority want to extend their career with a club where they have grown attached to; there is a sense of belonging and more importantly to be in the spotlight – something that might be limited at the country level with fewer games to play in. However, there are a few select footballers who take pride in representing their country and achieving as much glory as possible.International superstars are successful both at club level and the national level. Most footballers, who are iconic club figures, could never replicate their success on the international stage. Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Steven Gerrard are few such names who have found the going to be tough when they don their national colors. However, there is a certain breed of players who have been fabulous for their nations and have left fans frustrated by their inability to perform at the club level.We look at such players who have been a success for their countries but have underperformed for their clubs.
#5 Nicklas Bendtner - Denmark
Mad, arrogant, over-confident – all qualities that one would associate with a dysfunctional mind. However, these are some of terms used publicly to describe Nicklas Bendtner. Who can ever forget Euro 2012, when he decided to let down his shorts to reveal green sponsored underpants? Quite presumably, the footballing world believes there is something amiss in his mind.
The Danish forward has been erratic to say the least whenever he donned the Red and White jersey of Arsenal. Bendtner broke into the Arsenal first team based on his performances for the reserves team where he was earmarked due to his ability to influence a game and most importantly his ability in front of goal. He was loaned out to Birmingham City where he played a season and scored 11 goals in 42 games.
He then came back to Arsenal to feature regularly in the first team. However, he never managed to ring the newswire on field as he was inconsistent and was reduced to a bit part role in the last years of his infamous stint in North London. He had further loan stints with at Sunderland and Juventus without much joy. Currently at Wolfsburg, he has managed a solitary goal in 11 appearances.
The same cannot be said when he dons the national colors. The Dane has never had problems in scoring on the international stage having scored 26 goals in 64 appearances for the Denmark senior team – two more than his entire tally at Arsenal where he played 44 games more. He has represented Denmark in the U16, U17, U19 and U21 levels where he has managed an additional 12 goals from 24 games. The statistics clearly show that the national team does bring out the special talent that he boasts.
His self proclaimed prophecy he made five years ago stating that he would want to be known as a world-class striker by now still remains one that has been proven wrong. If you believe him, his time will come sooner or later.
| APPEARANCES | GOALS | |
|---|---|---|
| CLUBS | 269 | 70 |
| COUNTRY | 64 | 26 |