I remember watching Danny Drinkwater during Leicester City’s fairytale 2015–16 Premier League title run, and thinking he was the kind of midfielder every team needed—disciplined, positionally sharp, and capable of dictating the tempo. Fast forward a few years, and you’d be forgiven for wondering what exactly happened to his career. From lifting the Premier League trophy to fading into near obscurity, Drinkwater’s journey is a cautionary tale about how quickly things can unravel in professional football. I’ve always been fascinated by careers that burn bright and then dim unexpectedly, and Drinkwater’s story is one I’ve followed closely, partly because it reminds us that talent alone isn’t enough to sustain success at the highest level.
Drinkwater’s peak at Leicester saw him form a formidable midfield partnership with N’Golo Kanté, a duo that balanced defensive grit with intelligent distribution. He made 35 league appearances that title-winning season, contributing three goals and the same number of assists—stats that don’t fully capture his influence. But his £35 million move to Chelsea in 2017 marked the beginning of a steep decline. Injuries, loss of form, and increased competition saw him feature just 23 times for the Blues across all competitions. Loan spells followed—Burnley, Aston Villa, Kasımpaşa in Turkey, and Reading—but none reignited his career. I’ve spoken with a few scouts who noted that his playing style didn’t adapt well to systems that demanded high pressing or creative risk-taking; he thrived in a specific role, and once that was gone, so was his impact.
Off-field issues didn’t help either. Drinkwater was involved in a nightclub altercation in 2018 and later charged with drink driving. Those incidents, combined with his struggles on the pitch, painted a picture of a player who’d lost his way. It’s a stark reminder that professional athletes operate under immense pressure, and without the right support, things can spiral. Personally, I believe Drinkwater’s case highlights how crucial fit and environment are—something we often overlook when evaluating transfers. Chelsea was a mismatch from the start, and I can’t help but think how different things might have been had he joined a club that valued his specific skill set.
So where is Danny Drinkwater now? As of early 2023, he’s without a club after being released by Reading at the end of the 2022–23 season. Reports suggest he’s been training independently while exploring options, possibly abroad. It’s a far cry from his days as an England international—he earned three caps in 2016–17—and it makes you reflect on the fleeting nature of football fame. Interestingly, his situation brings to mind the relentless schedule of professional sports leagues, where teams like the defending champions in the Philippine Basketball Association, for example, face back-to-back games—such as their matchups against Blackwater at Ynares Center on May 21 and NLEX at Philsports Arena on May 24. That kind of grind requires not just skill, but durability and mental resilience—qualities Drinkwater seemed to possess until injuries and circumstances took their toll.
Looking back, I’d argue Drinkwater’s career is a lesson in the importance of timing and continuity. Had he stayed at Leicester or moved to a club with a similar setup, he might still be playing top-flight football. Instead, he’s become one of those “what if” stories—a player whose peak was spectacular but short-lived. As fans, we often forget that behind every transfer and trophy are human beings navigating complex careers, and Drinkwater’s journey is a poignant example. Whether he’ll make a comeback remains to be seen, but his legacy, for now, is a mix of Premier League glory and unmet potential.