Five Players Who Have Struggled in the Champions League This Season

Despite rumors about the Premier League‘s decline, some top clubs have struggled in the Champions League this year. Here are five players who have underperformed in the 2025/26 UCL campaign, with four already eliminated.

Newcastle CM Jacob Ramsey

Jacob Ramsey had a disappointing Champions League season, particularly in Newcastle United’s heavy 7-2 loss to Barcelona at the Spotify Camp Nou. The 24-year-old midfielder had a poor performance that disrupted what was otherwise a solid defensive effort, including a mistake that led to a goal for Raphinha. Ramsey struggled to support the team in possession, making him one of the least effective playmakers in the competition, especially given his role as an attacking-minded player.

Chelsea CB Trevoh Chalobah

Chelsea clearly needs to improve its defense, a challenge that Enzo Maresca had anticipated. He was not fooled by Trevoh Chalobah’s early season performance against weaker teams, as Chalobah was exposed during the knockout rounds by PSG. Throughout his six Champions League starts this season, Chalobah was largely ineffective defensively and struggled to compete against top forwards, indicating he is not yet at the required level for the Champions League.

Chelsea GK Filip Jorgensen

Filip Jorgensen’s performance was even worse. He started three Champions League matches for Chelsea, with manager Liam Rosenior surprisingly making him the starter for the first leg against PSG. Jorgensen’s performance cost Chelsea the game, as mistakes in his passing contributed to their defeat. He saved only about 37 percent of shots faced and averaged 2.40 goals allowed per game this season, marking a historically poor performance.

Liverpool RB Jeremie Frimpong

Jeremie Frimpong has yet to show his best form at Liverpool, leaving manager Arne Slot frustrated by his inconsistency on offense and clear weaknesses in defense. Despite being the only player on this list still in the competition, Frimpong needs to improve significantly. He has not supported Liverpool’s attack effectively, managing only 0.4 key passes per game across six starts, leaving Mohamed Salah without the creative support needed.

Manchester City CM Bernardo Silva

Bernardo Silva has struggled at the highest level of football. His handball that affected Manchester City’s match against Real Madrid was a poor decision; it would have been better for him to let the shot go unchallenged. Throughout the season, Silva has shown he is too slow for Champions League play. Typically a crucial player for Man City, he became a liability, struggling defensively against quicker midfielders and only completing 0.1 dribbles per game.