Kaka

Hard to say a player who was voted best player in the world didn't reach his potential.

The players you mentioned might not have reached their full potential, but I would say most of them still achieved 85%-95%. I don't really count those at not reaching their potential b/c of injury as they all still have won big titles or had long careers.

But with the same criteria as you, I would say Arjen Robben. If he had an injury free period of like 5-6 years when he was in his early 20s, I have no doubt he would be in the same mix of C. Ronaldo and Messi. Aside of those two, I haven't seen a footballer in the past decade who's a better dribbler or is more professional and driven as he is. And just like Ronaldo he made a mid carreer switch: he was very entertaining at Chelsea and Dutch NT on the left wing, but became a monster on the right when he focussed on scoring with his perfected cut inside move.

Another one that comes to mind is Pato. He was already one of the best forwards (amazing allround play) when he was 18-19, but injuries have halted his development and have wrecked him. Lost alot of speed and confidence and left AC Milan through the back door. He's still playing in Brazil, but could have been doing that for one of the European top.

For those who could have been there's a sad example of Nouri (Ajax youth player). Got his career cut short because of heartfailure and braindamage, but was one of the biggest Dutch talents I've seen as nr 10/playmaker based on his performances at the youth world cups.

Jonathan Woodgate

My last comment was about Michael Owen, but fits Kaka too.

comment by Ole-Dirty-Baztard (U19119)
posted 13 seconds ago
If the Brazilian Ronaldo never reaches his peak yet is still one of the greatest players ever, then how good he could have been if it wasn’t for injuries?
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Possibly up there CR7 and Messi. As good as he was though I think there like many Brazilians you could question if he really had the drive to do it long term.

Yeah I guess, just more that these players would have had more longevity.


Pato

Pretty much any English player that played for Arsenal in the last 10 years.

*British to include Ramsey

Ramsey has reached his potential somewhat, no? Good enough a player to play, and somewhat impress, for Juventus

Like I said on another post, he had that really hot streak in 2013/14, then got injured and lost that form. Would have been interesting to see how he would have carried on had he not got injured.

What was Ramseys potential versus what he has achieved?
Don't think there is much difference tbf.

Hargreaves.

Naby Keita going the same way so far.

Ledley King. Very few defenders can read the game like he did.

He was playing to a high level without even training under Harry. Could have been special if he had cartilage in his knee.

comment by D'Jeezus Mackaroni (U1137)
posted 5 minutes ago
What was Ramseys potential versus what he has achieved?
Don't think there is much difference tbf.
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It might have meant he was sold to another club and ended up achieving more.

Moussa Dembele

comment by Spurtle (U1608)
posted 5 seconds ago
comment by D'Jeezus Mackaroni (U1137)
posted 5 minutes ago
What was Ramseys potential versus what he has achieved?
Don't think there is much difference tbf.
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It might have meant he was sold to another club and ended up achieving more.
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He has gone to another club

comment by D'Jeezus Mackaroni (U1137)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by Spurtle (U1608)
posted 5 seconds ago
comment by D'Jeezus Mackaroni (U1137)
posted 5 minutes ago
What was Ramseys potential versus what he has achieved?
Don't think there is much difference tbf.
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It might have meant he was sold to another club and ended up achieving more.
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He has gone to another club
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I mean earlier on.

Chris Kirkland for 'keeper?

Me, that leg break at 15 put paid to a glittering career

Hopefully not Harry Kane

comment by Irishred (U2539)
posted 36 seconds ago
Me, that leg break at 15 put paid to a glittering career
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Football's loss, is ja606's gain

comment by Spurtle (U1608)
posted 4 minutes ago
Hopefully not Harry Kane
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Think we’ve seen the best of him already if I’m brutally honest.

Daniel Sturridge. Don’t think it was truly appreciated how talented he was.

comment by Kunta Kante (U1641)
posted 54 seconds ago
Daniel Sturridge. Don’t think it was truly appreciated how talented he was.
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But reading back already for a few mentions tbf my bad