Title: ESM Team of the Month: A Parade of Overhyped Names
Let’s cut through the nonsense and get to the heart of this so-called “Team of the Month.” It’s a list that reads more like a popularity contest than a genuine reflection of footballing excellence.
Jan Oblak gets a nod with four votes. Sure, he’s a solid keeper, but let’s not pretend he’s been setting the world alight. Atletico Madrid’s defense has been shakier than a toddler on a sugar high, and Oblak’s inclusion feels more like a nod to past glories than current form.
Trent Alexander-Arnold with eight votes? Spare me. The guy’s been more inconsistent than a British summer. One minute he’s pinging crosses like Beckham, the next he’s defending like he’s never seen a football before.
Jonathan Tah and Virgil van Dijk? Tah’s been decent, but four votes? Really? And Van Dijk, with three votes, is living off reputation. He’s been more statue than sentinel this season, and Liverpool’s defensive woes are partly on him.
Federico Dimarco with three votes is a head-scratcher. Inter’s been a mixed bag, and Dimarco’s performances have been as forgettable as a mid-table Serie A clash.
Florian Wirtz and Cole Palmer both get five votes. Wirtz is a talent, no doubt, but Bayer Leverkusen’s inconsistency makes you wonder if he’s more style than substance. Palmer’s been a bright spot in Chelsea’s otherwise dreary season, but five votes? Let’s not get carried away.
Jude Bellingham with four votes is the only one who truly deserves a mention. The kid’s been a revelation at Real Madrid, showing maturity beyond his years. But even then, four votes seem stingy for someone carrying a team on his back.
Mohamed Salah with 11 votes is the only no-brainer here. He’s been Liverpool’s saving grace, dragging them through games like a one-man army. But even Salah’s brilliance can’t mask the mediocrity surrounding him.
Antoine Griezmann? Atletico’s been a circus, and Griezmann’s been the clown. His inclusion is more about name recognition than actual impact.
In short, this list is a mishmash of overrated names and underwhelming performances. It’s time to stop rewarding mediocrity and start recognizing real talent. But hey, what do I know? I’m just calling it as I see it.