50 Most Overrated Players in World Football

Professional footballers are quite the humans. Incredibly skilled with the ability to make a ball do almost anything, they are one of the most popular sport figures on the planet.

Achieving monumental salaries, women and cars, these stars live a good life.

There is no denying their skills and strengths, but at times some footballers are given a little too much credit and value to their skills. Occasionally, some footballers receive too much or undeserved praise which, in truth, should not be given.

They are still amazing athletes nonetheless, but Bleacher Report aims to establish the top 50 most overrated players in World Football.

*In no particular order

The imposing Englishman is a strong and powerful forward who has the ability to be an efficient striker. However, Heskey has never achieved permanent consistency in his game and has failed to ever reproduce his 22 goals with Liverpool during 2000/2001, with his highest since accumulating to 14.

The Aston Villa sharpshooter had his overrated tag epitomized when the 33-year-old was selected to the England 2010 FIFA World Cup squad over a number of promising strikers, and subsequently disappointed.

The Englishman is often viewed as a composed, tough midfielder who can dominate defensive proceedings for Stoke City. In truth, Delap basically only possesses a sterling throw-in. Apart from the ability to make rash, no-nonsense challenges, the Potters midfielder is an overrated presence.

In 2007/2008, the Belorussian enjoyed a stellar season with Arsenal, his first sufficient and consistent campaign for the Gunners. Since then, Hleb has barely been noticed in World Football. The midfielder left Arsenal for a desire for bigger things, but his lack of quality and skills ensured Hleb was unable to make an impact at Barcelona.

The European Champions have allowed Hleb to move from clubs on loan, but the former Arsenal ace is still yet to enforce his presence. Overrated.

The Dutch striker is a clinical striker. Huntelaar thrived in the Dutch Eredivisie with Ajax and SC Heerenveen, amassing 66 goals in 98 appearances. However, the imposing striker struggles in the bigger leagues, unable to impose himself with Real Madrid and AC Milan in the La Liga and Serie A respectively.

Huntelaar's lack of form and strike in Italy and Spain has resulted in a move to the German Bundesliga with Shalke 04 where the Netherlands international is beginning to refine.

The Portuguese midfielder is considered one of the best midfielders in Portugal; however, the 25-year-old struggles for consistency and is believed to have attitude problems. A number of critics have felt Veloso will be unable to make an impact in the stronger, physical leagues such as the Premier League and Spain.

Currently with Italian outfit Genoa, Veloso is hardly making headlines.

The Irishman has impressed with Tottenham, but in recent years has struggled to regain an efficient scoring touch. Keane commanded £19 million from Liverpool when they secured the striker in 2008, but the forward's poor form during the season saw him last sixth months with the Reds before they sold Keane back to White Hart Lane for just over half the price.

Since then, the Ireland international has failed to ever produce spectacular moments and was recently transferred to LA Galaxy.

The German has long been touted as the next greatest footballer but, unfortunately, Podolski has failed to achieve those claims, often struggling in the German Bundesliga. The German international, who cost Bayern Munich over £10 million, struggled with Munich despite his reported ability and last season was sold back to FC Koln.

World Football is still waiting for the 26-year-old to fully shine.

The Englishman who has become a veteran of the English game, is always considered a reliable and strong keeper despite his tendency to make constant errors and positioning mishaps. Carson will long be renowned for a shocking performance for England against Croatia in the Euro 2008 qualifier. The former West Bromwich Albion shot-stopper endured a number of errors which eventually saw Croatia win and advance whilst England missed the notorious competition.

Currently in Turkey with Bursaspor.

The Moroccan excelled in the French league with Bordeaux without ever boasting a huge amount of goals per season before moving to Arsenal last season. After a bright start, the striker has literally crashed, unable to perform strongly for the Gunners.

Fatigue and confidence were seen as the main reasons Chamakh lapsed, but the Morocco captain is still yet to reignite his form, confidence or reputation.

After some impressive seasons for Sevilla during 2003/2004 and 2004/2005, Julio Baptista has failed to ever sufficiently live up to his evident potential and ability. Despite seasons with Real Madrid, AS Roma and Arsenal, the Brazilian has failed to emerge as a consistent striker.

Despite boasting admirable strength, the forward is too often clumsy and lazy. Recently signed a deal with Spanish big spenders Malaga CF.

Apart from a stellar 2007/2008 season with Arsenal during which he amassed 30 goals, the Togolese striker has failed to sufficiently take World Football by storm. Occasionally blighted with attitude and ego problems, Adebayor is inconsistent and, at times, lazy.

However, the Togo captain recently returned from a strong spell with Real Madrid.

A quick and intelligent midfielder, the Brazilian is a talented prospect who, in his first season with Chelsea, started slowly but began to show promising signs. However, Ramires cost Chelsea £22 million to acquire which, for a midfielder who has a tendency to be lazy, inconsistent and easily outmuscled, seems a little too much.

The former Benfica playmaker is showing promising signs of improving.

The once brilliant playmaker has become somewhat of a rose thorn. Dirty, rash challenges and an unimpressive temperament is no longer the midfielder who commanded respect many years ago. Van Bommel endured some poor seasons with Bayern Munich, which resulted in his arrival at AC Milan where form appears to have evaded the Netherland's international.

Nonetheless, Van Bommel will always be considered a great of the game.

The lanky striker has a lazy and aggressive side, alongside being unable to enforce his physical, imposing presence too often. A somewhat natural goalscorer, fans are often frustrated with the Englishman for his inability to consistently become involved.

Crouch is said to boast attitude problems and has graced a number of different clubs during his career.

The Bosnian does boast some impressive stats, particularly with German side VfL Wolfsburg, which includes 36 goals in 46 appearances during 2008/2009. However, since moving to Manchester City in January for an overrated fee of £27 million, Dzeko has looked off the pace and lazy in the English Premier League.

Yet to fully make an impact, Roberto Mancini will be hoping the striker can have an efficient season in 2010/2011.

The former inspirational leader is a tireless worker and natural captain. However, the Scot bases much of his game through erratic challenges and brute force. A precarious challenge on Gareth Bale last season, which ended the Welshman's campaign, highlighted Adam's rough approach.

The Croatian defender is often considered one of the best right-backs in the Premier League, but the 25-year-old is prone to lapses in concentration and consistency problems. Attacking-limited at times too, the Croatia international is a strong ball-winner but leaves aspects to be desired.

The imposing Frenchman was once touted as the next Patrick Vieira, which had Arsenal fans licking their lips. However, Diaby's Arsenal career has been tainted with inconsistency. The midfielder struggles to complete successive strong performances, possesses a rash aggressive side, which has cost Arsenal, and often completes moments of madness with own goals and poor passing.

Injuries have also had their toll to be fair.

The Englishman is often referred to as a respected, composed and occasionally brilliant keeper who has graced the English Premier League. However, Green has a tendency to make unimaginable errors which cost his teams.

Most notably, his mistake for England against USA in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The Brazilian cost Sir Alex Ferguson an outstanding €30 million yet the midfielder has yet to thoroughly impress at Old Trafford. A tough, tenacious midfielder who appears to commit too many fouls without achieving too much with the ball.

Often complemented by his talented teammates, Anderson has acquired numerous critics.

Liverpool's €20 million signing from Aston Villa, Downing lacks compared to some of the young wingers in European football. A tendency to be inconsistent and anonymous in matches, the Englishman also can be anonymous in front of goals.

Downing enjoyed a strong season for Aston Villa last season, but at times leaves a lot to be desired.

To be fair, injuries have blighted the Englishman, but the former Chelsea man is still content with demanding incredibly high weekly wages despite struggling to make an impact in the current game. A quick and talented playmaker, the England international was disappointing for Liverpool last season despite boasting a large salary.

The former shining light and figurehead of Wigan Athletic, many believe the Frenchman is not as talented as one may perceive. Performing well with a limited Wigan attack, N'Zogbia does struggle against the bigger sides and has a tendency to become anonymous and uninvolved in matches.

Furthermore, it is believed the winger has attitude problems with the occasional moment of madness.

The English forward has endured lapses in form in recent years, despite being highly rated by Aston Villa and English officials. Agbonlahor registered just five goals in 31 appearances last season and is yet to fully enhance a consistent side of his game.

The 20-year-old is tipped as the best young forward in England, but has yet to sufficiently fulfill an efficient, clinical side of his game. The Englishman is highly rated by Sir Alex Ferguson, but many are sceptical if the youngster has what it takes to thrive at Old Trafford.

Welbeck has already been graced with a national England debut despite a number of more performing strikers in the Premier League.

The renowned and notorious England midfielder, who was once considered the best player in World Football, is no longer at his peak despite his belief and others the 36-year-old can still crack the national England squad.

Beckham is not an emphatic force as some may have envisioned in the MLS in America despite earning a large amount.

The Brazilian ace, who cost Real Madrid £20 million and Manchester City £32.5 million, has never adequately performed consistently in World Football's biggest leagues. The playmaker has all the tricks in the book but can be sulky, weak and anonymous.

The Englishman cost Manchester City £24 million in 2009, Thomas Vermaelen cost Arsenal £10 million. Lescott is an inconsistent presence in the Sky Blues lineup whilst Vermaelen is the Arsenal vice captain and considered one of the best defenders in the Premier League.

It is an easy contrast, but it highlights that Lescott and most English defenders and players are at an overrated value.

The Brazilian striker has been hailed as the next South American superstar who would take Europe by storm. Manchester City paid £18 million for the forward in 2008, after he starred with CSKA Moscow in the Russian league.

The Brazil international played just 41 games and amassed six goals for City alongside two average loan spells with Everton which resulted in a spell with Galatasaray where Jo continued to struggle, eventually returning back to City before finally returning to Brazil.

Once touted as the next great Brazilian midfielder after captaining a number of the Brazilian youth sides, Denilson has dropped and dropped in recent years with Arsenal fans constantly demanding for his departure.

There is the consistent voice that the 23-year-old cannot pass forward, cannot tackle and cannot take on opposing players. Harsh and untrue words, but Denilson was forced to go on loan to Brazilian giants Sao Paulo for 2011/2012 in order to gain consistent first-team playing time.

Sir Alex Ferguson paid a monumental amount to bring the young Spanish keeper to Old Trafford. Acquired as the genuine replacement to the phenomenal Edwin van der Sar, who retired at the end of last season.

With a huge reputation and touted as the next best keeper in World Football, the 20-year-old has been thoroughly unimpressive with United. Two costly errors have occurred since his debut for the English giants. Fortunately, United's sublime attacking skill eradicated them.

Strong but slightly overrated.

James Milner achieved the PFA Young Player of the Year in 2009/2010 which many disagreed with, however the Englishman had been strong for Aston Villa in recent seasons, yet nothing spectacular. Milner signed for City last season in a deal worth around £26 million but became a disappointing figure at the Eastlands, enduring lapses in form and consistency.

With rumours that Samir Nasri will soon arrive at City and with their already star-studded lineup, Milner appears to be a waste of money for Roberto Mancini.

The diminutive dynamo cost Chelsea cost £21 million in 2005 and performed somewhat strongly for the Blues over three seasons before returning to Manchester City where since the Englishman has dropped and dropped.

A surprise inclusion in England's 2010 FIFA World Cup squad, Wright-Phillips managed just 18 appearances last season for the Sky Blues.

The Czech playmaker has been unable to sufficiently provide for the Arsenal midfield in recent seasons and is often seen as a liability. The once brilliant playmaker lacks the speed and touch from his days in the German Bundesliga and early Arsenal career.

Still highly rated by Arsene Wenger and FIFA for that matter, Rosicky often becomes too quiet in games yet Wenger refuses to utilize his exciting array of youngsters over the Czech. To be fair, injuries have had an impact.

The Czech keeper is often considered one of if not the best keeper in World Football, but the Chelsea shot-stopper has a tendency to make unnecessary errors and poor decisions. No doubt a sterling presence but at times his attributes are too highly valued.

An occasionally dirty midfielder, Mikel is a strong midfielder but, like his teammate Cech, the Nigerian has his ability and attributes too highly rated. A sometimes inconsistent and erratic passer, the Chelsea midfielder has been considered one of the most overrated players in the Premier League at times.

The Englishman has been a solid presence for Manchester United for a number of years now, but the Englishman cost Sir Alex Ferguson a large sum for a player who is occasionally brilliant. Strong and composed, Carrick can often struggle against the bigger teams and has failed to live up for England.

The Italian thinks he is the best player in World Football, apart from Lionel Messi. Many others also highly rate the young striker. However, Balotelli is sulky, at times silly, and inconsistent which diminishes his overall skill.

Many believe the 21-year-old undeservedly won the 2010 Golden Boy award and cost Manchester City £24 million in the same year but now desires a move away.

The Frenchman has accumulated over £70 million in transfer fees and has been to a number of leagues in Europe due to his attitude and inability to consistently perform despite occasional brilliance. The striker has begun to thrive at Chelsea but still bears an overrated tag.

Many believe Dimitar Berbatov can only perform strongly against lower teams and cannot impact against the big-name teams of England and Europe. A natural goal scorer, whose 20 Premier League goals last season was equal highest in the Premier League, the Bulgarian cost Manchester United £30 million.

The Ivorian has never properly risen like many expected, despite occasional consistency for Chelsea.  A quick and energetic presence, Kalou appears to lack that clinical touch that restricts him from achieving teen goal figures.

Chelsea are eager to offer Tottenham Kalou in a bid to gain Luka Modric.

The Argentinian midfielder cost Real Madrid £25 million and, despite his skill and speed, many feel too often Di Maria dives or easily loses the ball. Others have voiced their concerns that the 23-year-old is lazy with attitude problems.

The Spaniard is good, very good. However, Fernando Torres is not worth £50 million, which is what Chelsea paid for the striker in January. Torres has since scored one goal in 19 appearances for Chelsea.

The left-back is highly rated by Real Madrid and Jose Mourinho, but the Brazilian is prone to defensive lapses, aggression problems, rash tackles and diving. Nonetheless, the 23-year-old has skill but at times is considered too highly.

Nasri had a breakthrough season in 2010/2011, making the PFA Team of the Year despite his form trailing hugely in the second half of the season as Arsenal endured a demise. With 44 appearances and 15 goals, the Frenchman was hailed a star but in truth inconsistency still haunts his game.

Nasri is refusing to extend his contract with Arsenal and desires a move to a club who can sufficiently challenge for silverware. Manchester City are set to pay £23 million for the Frenchman who too often is inconsistent and anonymous in games.

Once considered one of the best left-backs in the world, in truth Gael Clichy has only really enjoyed one strong season in the English Premier League. During 2007/2008, the Frenchman made the PFA Team of the Year and since then has dropped rapidly.

An inconsistent defender who endures lapses in concentration and decision errors, Clichy has an inability to clear the ball. Departed Arsenal this summer to Manchester City after stating the Gunners could no longer win trophies despite his consistent poor performances.

Liverpool recently made a £10 million bid for the Stoke defender, which manager Tony Pulis claimed was £8 million short. An erratic defender who constantly makes poor challenges and rough approaches, Shawcross is overvalued, particularly as his reckless defending broke Aaron Ramsey's leg severely in February 2010.

The Frenchman was a struggling presence at Arsenal for a number of years before performing strongly in 2007/2008, but subsequently departed because Arsenal could not win trophies. Since joining AC Milan, Flamini has been an inconsistent figure who makes rash challenges and argues with referees.

Many believe the Brazilian is a tremendous defender but others state Alves is dirty and a diver. A player who thrives on Barcelona's power and disgraces football with his antics and attitudes.

Few can deny Sergio Busquets is the most overrated player in World Football. The Spaniard poor passing and laziness is able to go unnoticed with Barcelona, but in truth Busquets is overrated and has even been labeled the biggest diver in the game.