4. Kevin-Prince Boateng (Tottenham/Portsmouth)
Boateng may have been on Daniel Levy’s mind when he sacked Harry Redknapp as Tottenham manager in 2012. He may have reflected that, having inherited the powerful midfielder upon his appointment in 2008, Redknapp opted to loan him to Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund at the start of his second season before eventually selling him to Portsmouth in 2009 for the only £4m.
Having made a minimal impact in his first year in England at White Hart Lane, in his second, at Fratton Park, Boateng was by some distance the most impressive player in a team that appeared almost certain for relegation before their opening league fixture. He added true quality to an otherwise workmanlike team and, but for tearing his ankle ligaments, could have improved on his record of five goals in 25 starts, even if Portsmouth’s financial difficulties (they were deducted nine points for entering administration) meant rescuing them was beyond him.
After impressing for Ghana at the 2010 World Cup, Boateng joined Milan that summer via Genoa. The fact that he hasn’t continued to fulfil his undoubted potential is a reflection of his application, not his ability or suitability to a particular football culture.