Premier League players rarely substituted: Carlton Palmer, Joleon Lescott and Ryan Shawcross
Monday 17 August 2015 23:30, UK
John Terry was substituted by Jose Mourinho for the first time ever on Sunday.
However, the Chelsea captain has been replaced 17 times during his Premier League career by other managers.
When it comes to outfield players who have rarely been substituted, Carlton Palmer leads the way.
The former Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United defender was only subbed three times in his 261 Premier League appearances.
That works out as just one substitution every 87 games. In contrast, Terry’s number has been held up once every 27. 1 matches on average.
Joleon Lescott is next on the list - he’s been subbed just five times in 255 Premier League appearances for Everton, Man City and West Brom.
Current Premier League defenders, Stoke's Ryan Shawcross and Liverpool's Martin Skrtel have also rarely been withdrawn from action - the pair have been substituted just 10 times in a combined 456 Premier League appearances.
Here are the players with the most Premier League appearances to their name, with fewer than five substitutions...
Carlton Palmer - 261 games, three subs
Joleon Lescott - 255 games, five subs
Ryan Shawcross - 235 games, five subs
Darren Peacock - 231 games, five subs
Martin Skrtel - 221 games, five subs
Matt Elliott - 199 games, four subs
