EPL Underachievers - I don't mean teams, but that could be an interesting subject in itself of course. Here, I mean those players that commanded large transfer fees and seem to be missing in action this season. The impact to their clubs has been dramatic and in most cases more than just a little disappointing. Some of them are noteworthy because many fans have probably forgotten they are still there because their performance has been so far below the radar.

Juan Pablo Angel, Aston Villa - The first few seasons after his $11M move from Argentina's giant River Plate Angel was a man that made a difference for Villa and seemed to adjust quickly to the EPL game. This season has been a disappointment that could yet see them fall into the relegation fight. Angel has managed only 2 goals which is far below expectations. Truth is, Angel has more yellow cards than goals and at 31 he may be seeing the end of his career in the EPL unless he steps up his strike rate dramatically in the final two months of the season. Villa, in 15th with 34pts, are not truly safe and could be drawn into the relegation fight before its over unless production from the likes of Angel doesn't improve over the remaining games. Don't be surprised if there is a change of venue for Angel before summer is over. For that matter, this may be his final run in the EPL.

Emile Heskey, Birmingham City - During his time at Liverpool Heskey was a constant on the England national team (43 caps, 5 goals) as well as one of the Reds danger men along with Fowler and Owen. The treble winning side of 2001 was likely the best team ever assembled that didn't win the EPL title. As a fan of the Reds it was always exciting to watch those three when they were on the pitch at the same time. Gerard Houllier grew frustrated with what seemed to be one of the unluckiest of strikers in Heskey and separated them in an effort to coax more production from the big center forward. Soon enough that treble winning team was dismantled and the strike force sold off with Heskey going to Birmingham for less than half what Liverpool paid to sign him. His "luck" hasn't improved at City and if anything has gotten even worse. Heskey has managed 4 goals this term, but that is far fewer than Steve Bruce would have expected of him. To Heskey's defense, a striker relies on quality service which has also been lacking at City, a team that often seems uninterested in their plight as they linger on the edge of relegation. Should they go down it will be interesting to see who comes knocking for the big striker, or perhaps I should say if anyone does. The most likely scenario would be one of the promoted sides might take a chance but don't expect any of the established teams to book him for next season if City doesn't survive. He commands too big a price tag for the minimal production.

Jon Stead, Sunderland - As a longtime fan of Blackburn Rovers I was very disappointed when Stead handed in his transfer request last season. Frankly, I thought Mark Hughes had made a big error in not working harder to hold onto the young man. This season has shown I was really wrong with that as Stead has still not scored a single goal for the sure to be relegated Black Cats.
I'm certain that Mick McCarthy is every bit as disappointed in his failure to produce since he's lost his job because of it. The man they expected would produce double-digit goals has yet to get his first and the Black Cats will break their own record for frustration in the EPL by producing the lowest point total ever. The drama of the off season for Stead will be where oh where will he end up? With Sunderland in next seasons Championship or will he get another run at the EPL? Frankly, after his season this year the best for his future might be to stay where he is and fight to get Sunderland back in the EPL.

Kevin Phillips, Aston Villa - As if Villa needed this, another of its strike force that has been far less productive than expected, Phillips has to be put in this category. Yes, he's been limited by injury and seen action in only half of their league games this season, but his tally of only 4 goals is well under the strike rate he set for himself at Southampton and Sunderland where he scored a goal every other appearance for season after season. Phillips was actually one of the most productive striker's in England during his time with the Saints with a .56 goal per game average. That has fallen to .26 for Villa which means he produces a goal every 4 appearances instead of every other time out. For Phillips at 33, he may have only one or two seasons left in his career and after this run with Villa he may not make that.

Wayne Routledge, Portsmouth - Yo many of you may holler at this one, but this guy was one of those I couldn't wait to watch after he was snatched by Tottenham after Palace was relegated last term. He took an unfortunate injury early on, struggled to get back in shape and was sent on loan to Portsmouth. Damn I said at that development as I really wanted to see him liven up the Spurs attack. With Aaron Lennon also there Martyn Jol apparently felt that Routledge would be better off getting time on the pitch somewhere else because he would end up sitting at Spurs. So off he goes and he has made only 3 appearances at Pompey with little to show for it. And this guy was the motor in the midfield behind Andy Johnson at Crystal Palace and 2006 has become a lost year for him. For me, looking forward to seeing him surrounded by a stronger team his disappearance has been one of the biggest disappointments of the EPL season. At 21 I'm sure he'll be back and you will be hearing his name in the future. He is that kind of player, or I hope its not 'was.'