7 players who have been overworked this season

Sanchez missed several games this seasonThere are some players how are so crucial to a team that they considered undroppable. These players play a very important role in the squad and are consistent performers which is why managers find it difficult to not select them in their match day squad.There are many who are used to the grind of the game and can play day in day out but even the best and most fit players need a break once in a while. Some of these players have even suffered a loss in form or picked injuries due to not being rested.Here are seven players who have been the most overworked this season

#7 Chris Smalling - Manchester United

Chris Smalling has played at a very consistent level this season. He has always been a presence at the back and is probably United’s best defender. Smalling has clocked 3,699 minutes this season which is the second highest in the team.

Despite the team not being very good in attack having only scored only 37 goals in 29 matches in the Premier League it’s their defence that has been the positive this season. United have only conceded 27 goals which is the second least in the league after Tottenham Hotspur.

Smalling has played in 26 of those 29 games with Daley Blind partnering him on most occasions. The club are facing an injury crisis which has left Van Gaal short on options, especially at the back. This situation has forced him to play Smalling in almost every game.

According to Squawka, his performance score at 620 is the highest among all his teammates which only highlights the Englishman’s importance to the side. The defender though has had troubles with injuries in the past which may come back to haunt him.

Hopefully, Van Gaal will get some of his players back from injury sooner rather than later to ensure Smalling does not suffer from burnout.