No matter how good the Premier League stars perform in front of thousands of fans, some of them never experience the pleasure of representing a senior national team. Let's look at unlucky stars who still perform well in the league, despite of never wearing the jersey of their countries...
Mikel Arteta
One of La Masia's numerous kids, he has been playing for the reserve squads of Barcelona, but never for the first team. He moved to Paris Saint-Germain and Celtic, later to make a return for Spain, this time playing among Real Sociedad's best.
The biggest turnover of his career was a loan to Everton in 2005, and instead of returning to San Sebastian by the end of it, Arteta decided to stay in Liverpool. Over six years at Goodison Park, the 32-year-old became the fans' favourite as he made over 150 appearances for the Toffes in that successful period.
Many expected a call-up from Vicente del Bosque when the present-day Arsenal captain decided to move to the Emirates in the summer of 2011. In October 2012, Santi Cazorla expressed amazement of Arteta not being included in national team games, despite enviable performances in the red jersey. Will the defensive midfielder ever get his opportunity?
Sylvain Distin
The soon-to-retire Frenchman has been a part of four Premier League clubs. It was in 2001 when Distin first experienced the pleasure of playing in England, joining Newcastle on loan from Paris. As well as Arteta, he did not return to France again and instead, decided to settle down in Britain.
It was only a short period in the Toon before Distin moved to Manchester City. He played there for five years, also being named the skipper in 2004. Due to the contract expiry with the Citizens, the 34-year-old became a Pompey player in May 2007.
He has been earning caps for Roberto Martinez's team for more than five years, almost the same period as in Manchester City. The centre back sarcastically announced his international retirement over Twitter in May this year, ending his France adventures with a total of zero appearances.
Jose Enrique
The left back was also once a part of the team from St. James' Park. Seven years ago, Enrique had everything he needed - an ensured place among the Newcastle's starting eleven and an occasional chance to wear the kit of Spain U21 set-up.
The call ups from the Pyrenees stopped coming to his Newcastle address, although that didn't reassure Liverpool in signing him for seven million pounds. The 28-year-old debuted in the club's opening match of the 2011-12 season.
Sometimes considered the weakest link of the Reds, Enrique did too failed in earning an invite by del Bosque who was, over the years, mostly relying on Jordi Alba and Nacho Monreal. The call-up is still quite possible because of recent underachieving of the national side.
Source: DSG
