The best XI to ever be relegated from the Premier League: Keane and more

"There were few positives for Sunderland fans in the 2016-17 season as they finished rock bottom and 16 points from safety, but the emergence of one of their own - Jordan Pickford - was a highlight. Initially second choice to Vito Mannone, Pickford was promoted to the first team after an injury to his colleague and never gave up the No.1 spot. He ended the year with the PFA Young Player of the Year award."

"Relegated to Champions League winner is not a common path but Andy Robertson made that leap in the summer of 2017. Considering the club signed Mo Salah and Dominic Solanke, it is fair to say Robertson was a more low-key transfer but he would go on to be an integral part of Jurgen Klopp's team and part of arguably the best full-back partnership in Premier League history. Not bad for £10million."

"Now a part of the Manchester City winning machine, Ake established himself as a Premier League-quality defender whilst at Bournemouth. He won Players' and Fans' Player of the Year in his first season and a hamstring injury that kept him out for six games was a pivotal reason why the Cherries were relegated in the 2019-2020 season."

The Premier League's relegation battle this season features exceptional talent from struggling clubs including Nottingham Forest, Leeds United, Tottenham, and West Ham. This concentration of quality players in a relegation dogfight is historically notable. The article examines an XI of the best footballers who have experienced Premier League relegation and subsequently achieved major success. Examples include Jordan Pickford, who earned PFA Young Player of the Year at relegated Sunderland before joining Everton for £25m; Andy Robertson, who moved from relegated Hull City to Liverpool for £10m and became part of an elite full-back partnership; and Nathan Ake, who established himself as a Premier League-quality defender at Bournemouth before joining Manchester City.

Read at Planet Football