Pogba, Werner, Ozil: Who are football's most infuriating players?

Elite-level footballers might enjoy the sort of fame and fortune most of us can only dream about, but that doesn't mean they are without their flaws.

Everyone has a bad day at the office on occasion - and top players are no exception.

However, for a few unfortunate individuals, their proneness to an error or poor performance has actually become part of their personal brand - whether it's being dodgy at the back, missing when it looks easier to score or generally going missing when it counts most.

In celebration of these mavericks, the folks over at Planet Football have put together a full XI of the most infuriating players in the game today and we've taken a look at their verdict below.

An XI of the most infuriating players in football

GK: Jordan Pickford

The Everton shot-stopper is seemingly never far away from an embarrassing gaffe, but that possibly goes with the territory when you approach the game with what Planet Football describe as 'a boundless energy and a commitment to carnage'.

That said, Pickford has been able to keep himself in check during England's last two international tournaments, entering fine performances as the Three Lions made it to the latter stages of both the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020.

BURNLEY, ENGLAND - APRIL 06: Jordan Pickford of Everton celebrates after teammate Richarlison (not pictured) scored their side's first goal from the penalty spot during the Premier League match between Burnley and Everton at Turf Moor on April 06, 2022 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

DL: Nuno Tavares

Tavares' Arsenal exit was surely welcomed by any Gunners fans of a nervous disposition. Whenever Tavares featured for Mikel Arteta's men, chaos never seemed too far away.

CB: David Luiz

Once described as a player who "tackles with the force of a heavy goods vehicle and not always on the right side of the law," Luiz has always been the definition of a mixed bag.

Outstanding for Chelsea in their 2012 Champions League final win, the eccentric Brazilian had his fair share of shockers too.

You never knew which version Luiz would turn up on a matchday, but he was rarely dull to watch.

CB: Eric Bailly

A man whose decision-making makes Luiz look positively measured in comparison, Bailly's commitment to the eccentric has made him a viral sensation, if not an overly reliable centre-back.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 08: Eric Bailly of Manchester United during the UEFA Champions League group F match between Manchester United and BSC Young Boys at Old Trafford on December 08, 2021 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

RB: Serge Aurier

Rarely in Premier League history has a defender inspired less confidence amongst their fanbase than Aurier during his time at Tottenham. At times more likely to get into a scrap than make a decisive intervention, the £23 million man showed occasional glimpses of brilliance amongst his many flaws.

CM: Granit Xhaka

Xhaka's exceptional eye for a pass and his tireless work rate are two attributes that every manager desires in the centre of their midfield.

What is less desirable, though, is a habit of picking up yellow (and red) cards at a frightening pace.

The Swiss captain is renowned for leaping into challenges with reckless abandon, often at the worst possible time for his club side.

According to Transfermarkt, Xhaka has racked up a staggering 68 cautions and five dismissals in 250 Arsenal appearances.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 01: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal during the Pre Season Friendly between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on August 1, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

CM: Jesse Lingard

Lingard proved his quality during a highly successful 2021 loan spell at West Ham where he scored nine goals and provided four assists.

So impressed were his then-parent club Manchester United that they refused to allow the Hammers to make the deal permanent, apparently hopeful Lingard could make a difference at Old Trafford upon his return.

He didn't, barely featuring for United last term.

Despite his dismal 2021/22 campaign, Nottingham Forest have stumped up a dizzying £200,000-a-week for the 32-cap England international. It's a bold move. Time will tell if it pays off for the newly-promoted club.

CM: Paul Pogba

At his very best, Pogba is an exceptional talent. Realising this, Man United forked out £94.5m in 2016 to re-sign a player that they had seen leave for Juventus in 2012 on a free transfer.

Red Devils fans caught fleeting moments of Pogba on top form, but he never threatened to consistently deliver the goods for the 13-time Premier League champions.

As his second spell at the club progressed, supporters grew more and more frustrated with the Frenchman. By the time he departed at the end of last season (again for Juve on a free), few at the 'Theatre of Dreams' were all that bothered.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 14: Paul Pogba of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Leeds United at Old Trafford on August 14, 2021 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images,)

LW: Timo Werner

Poor Timo. It just hasn't happened for him at Chelsea. The lad's got a fantastic attitude but 23 goals in 90 appearances just isn't the sort of return you're after when you spend the best part of £50m on a frontman.

RW: Mesut Ozil

Yet another player with Arsenal links to find themselves in this XI, Ozil has blown hot and cold throughout his career. The sheer quality he possessed in his wand of a left foot, though, can't be understated.

Dove-tailing perfectly with Cristiano Ronaldo during their time together at Real Madrid, Ozil was simply magnificent.

Once he departed the Bernabeu for the Emirates, Ozil's career swiftly went into freefall, with his nonchalant style of play often not appreciated by Arsenal fans.

Things have got worse for Ozil since, too. An unhappy 18 months in Turkey with Fenerbahce ended when the club terminated his contract.

The 33-year-old is continuing his Super Lig stint with Istanbul Basaksehir this season, intent on resurrecting his flagging career.