5 Effective Substitutes in European Football Right Now

There are only 11 spots in the team, so some must make do with a place on the bench.

Unfortunately, certain players make a name for themselves as an "impact player" or a "super-sub," harming their chances of starting a game due to their prowess in finishing them off.

Here are five super-subs in Europe—enjoy the slideshow! 

Paul Pogba

Antonio Conte knows how important the partnership of Claudio Marchisio and Arturo Vidal is to his team, but it does lack one trait—the ability to shoot accurately from distance.

Despite being just 19 years of age, Paul Pogba is ready for first-team football. While he is stuck behind the "MVP" triumvirate in the Bianconeri's pecking order, he's making his impact as an alternate and as a substitute.

He's physical, he's committed and he's technically skilled. In a nervous game at home to Napoli, the Frenchman came on late and helped his side over the finish line by scoring a cracking second. 

Kevin Gameiro

Kevin Gameiro is an underused talent.

With the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ezequiel Lavezzi on the books, he can't get in the side but does stay sharp and makes an impact when he gets a chance.

Probably time to look for a new club. 

Edin Dzeko

Super-sub Edin "don't call me super-sub" Dzeko has been hugely effective coming off the bench for Manchester City.

The statistic suggesting the Citizens win nearly all of their games in which Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez start together may be inaccurate, as this guy saves the day with frequency.

Coming on late in the game, the Bosnian has netted against Real Madrid, Fulham (winner), West Brom (equaliser and winner) and Tottenham (winner). 

Tom De Sutter

As the Belgian Jupiler League enters its critical stage, Anderlecht are fighting Zulte-Waregem for the title.

Tom De Sutter is being utilised as an immense saviour/super-sub/utility man in order to ensure a steady waltz toward the crown, and not only is he coming on and solidifying wins for the Paars-wit, he filled in adequately for Dieumerci Mbokani during the Africa Cup of Nations as well.

Adam Le Fondre

Super "Alfie," or Adam Le Fondre, managed to win the Barclay's Player of the Month award in the English Premier League...without starting a single game.

He bagged one against West Brom, two against Newcastle United and two against Chelsea to pick up vital points for Reading. Yet, when he started at Old Trafford, he was rather underwhelming.

A true super-sub.

Follow @stighefootball