Top 5 Premier League stars who don’t look like they enjoy football (But dominate every match)

Last Updated on 27 November 2025

Some players smile, joke, and ooze joy every time they step onto the pitch. And then… there are the others, the ones who play football like it’s a compulsory shift at a job they never applied for.

No celebrations, no nonsense, no visible emotion. Just elite performances delivered with the energy of someone counting down the minutes until they can go home.

Whether it’s the defenders that hate defending, stone-faced midfield generals, or workhorse strikers looking permanently unimpressed. The Premier League is full of stars who act like football is a burden, despite being absolutely sensational at it.

5 – Ben White (Arsenal)

One of the most important pillars of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal squad, Ben White does not actually like the sport he is so good at.

In an interview with Sky Sports, the English star revealed how he’s not a huge fan of watching football. “I watch myself for analytical reasons. I wouldn’t just sit down and watch a game. I didn’t ever watch football when I was younger. I still don’t now.”

And you best believe, it’s very visible when he plays, too. White treats 90 minutes like we count the minutes off in the last hour at work. But you best believe he’s still putting in a tremendous shift.

4 – Kai Havertz (Arsenal)

Unlike his teammate, Kai Havertz does not dislike football. He just comes across uninterested but you can never fault his steely, German determination. Every time the 26-year-old is on the pitch, he makes himself known by contributing big time.

Given the role he has mastered at the Emirates, being the leader of the press, it’s actually interesting to see how he maintains his rather muted personality.

He may not score on a regular basis, but Havertz is key to the way Arsenal play. But a smile and a big celebration, every now and then, might not be a bad idea!

3 – Kevin de Bruyne (Napoli)

Formerly of Manchester City, Kevin de Bruyne is now plying his trade in Napoli. However, even when he was producing unbelievable passes and slamming top bins from 30 yards, de Bruyne never looked like he enjoyed playing football.

An almost frustrated figure, every time he was on the pitch, the Belgian would only get more angry if subbed off. Then again, you would be mad to sub off someone of his quality.

Even now in Napoli, de Bruyne plays wearing his heart on his sleeve but if you base it simply off his facial expressions, he’d be much rather sat at home.

2 – Rodri (Manchester City)

Shirt tucked in like it’s the early 2000s, Rodri does not come across as a midfield general. Yet, he is so good at what he does that he won the Ballon d’Or and if not for his injury, he would be the best midfielder in the world.

Yet, if you were to meet Rodri in the street, your first impression would be that he’s an accountant at a local firm. Unlike his former teammate, Kevin de Bruyne, Rodri definitely knows how to show his emotions on the pitch.

It’s just that when he is in his element, you can’t help but get the impression that Rodri does not really belong. When, in fact, he’s the best player on the pitch.

1 – Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

Often described as a Rolls-Royce defender, Virgil van Dijk looks more like a sleek assassin gliding across the pitch than a centerback.

Defenders are known for broken noses, dirty shirts and messy tackles. You get none of that from van Dijk, though. In fact, if he has to defend, he will make sure to let his frustration known. The Dutchman believes in reading the game and putting out a fire long before it could possibly ignite.

90 minutes later, when you are huffing and puffing, van Dijk looks like he just got changed.