Ten of the best non-‘top six’ Premier League stars.
SEE ALSO: Top 100 players in the world.
10) Curtis Davies (Hull City)
One of the most solid defenders in the Premier League last season, Curtis Davies has performed superbly for Hull City since their promotion to the top flight, having endured a disappointing spell at Aston Villa earlier in his career.
The 29-year-old was particularly unlucky to be on the losing side against Arsenal in last season’s FA Cup final, as he got on the scoresheet and put in a great display for the Tigers in their narrow defeat.
9) Andy Carroll (West Ham United)
A figure of ridicule after his infamous £35m move to Liverpool back in 2011, and for his repeated injury problems since then, but West Ham United striker Andy Carroll remains one of the best strikers in the Premier League on his day, with his physical frame and ability in front of goal making him a real handful for any defence in the country.
West Ham will certainly miss him in his next spell on the sidelines.
8) Jay Rodriguez (Southampton)
A great technical player, Southampton forward Jay Rodriguez had a chance for 2014 World Cup action with England but it cruelly denied to him at the end of last season after he picked up a season-ending injury away to Manchester City.
The Saints star has been linked with a number of big clubs in recent times, with the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur believed to be among his biggest admirers, though Southampton will be hoping not to lose another of their big names this summer.
7) Tim Krul (Newcastle United)
A superb goalkeeper, Newcastle United’s Tim Krul had his shot in the limelight for the Netherlands at this summer’s World Cup, coming on as a surprise substitute just to play in the Oranje’s penalty shoot-out victory over Costa Rica.
Still, the Dutchman is a Premier League star in his own right, and continues to wow fans with his superb reflex saves for the Magpies.
6) Christian Benteke (Aston Villa)
A superb striker who has been missed in his recent spell out injured, Aston Villa’s Christian Benteke enjoyed a storming first season in the Premier League in 2012/13, and looked like continuing that fine form in his second campaign with the club, though he ended up missing much of the season and eventually the World Cup for Belgium.
5) Morgan Schneiderlin (Southampton)
A player attracting a great deal of interest this summer, Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin has established himself as one of the best in his position in the Premier League over the last couple of years.
Arsenal and Tottenham are reportedly the main clubs interested in him, and it could be that the in-demand Frenchman will become the latest star player to leave the St Mary’s Stadium in this transfer window, with the south coast club certainly previously being home to many of the best non-top-six Premier League players.
4) Wilfried Bony (Swansea City)
Swansea City’s club-record signing, Ivory Coast striker Wilfried Bony has enjoyed a superb first season in the Premier League, scoring 25 goals in all competitions to attract the interests of big clubs such as Liverpool and Tottenham.
The 25-year-old certainly looks a player who could make the step up to a top six club, but for now remains firmly up there with the best of the rest.
3) Ross Barkley (Everton)
Everton midfielder Ross Barkley is certainly among the most exciting young players in the Premier League, and may already be one of the best in the country overall when not taking into account the bigger clubs.
Although Everton finished fifth in the league last season, they remain outside the recent traditional top six of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham, though they may continue to establish themselves higher if they enjoy another strong campaign under Roberto Martinez.
2) Loic Remy (Queens Park Rangers)
One of the most lethal strikers in the Premier League in the last couple of seasons, Queens Park Rangers striker Loic Remy has been a superb addition to the English top flight since joining from Olympique Marseille.
The French international spent last season on loan at Newcastle, enhancing his reputation further, and has been linked with both Arsenal and Liverpool this summer as a move to a top six side could be on the cards in the near future.
1) Romelu Lukaku (Everton)
One of the signings of the summer, Everton brought in Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea for £28m earlier this week, after the exciting young striker spent a season on loan at Goodison Park.
Many have questioned Chelsea’s reluctance to give the 21-year-old a chance in their side, as he looks like potentially becoming one of the best forwards in the world in the next few years.
Their loss is the Toffees’ gain, and he is by some way the best player not to be playing for an elite club at the moment, perhaps in all of Europe, let alone in England.