An XI of Europe’s most underrated players.
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GK: Salvatore Sirigu (Paris Saint-Germain)
Although Paris Saint-Germain continue to be linked with more big-name signings in goal, Salvatore Sirigu has been a top performer for them in recent times, though he rarely gets the credit of his more illustrious team-mates.
DR: Nathaniel Cylne (Southampton)
A player whose reputation is starting to grow, Southampton’s young right-back Nathaniel Clyne is in outstanding form this season, scoring fine goals in big away games against Liverpool and Arsenal. An England call-up surely beckons for the 23-year-old.
DL: Kieran Gibbs (Arsenal)
A highly consistent left-back, Kieran Gibbs never lets Arsenal down and has been among the best left-backs in the country for the last few years, though he has continued to be neglected at international level.
DC: Ashley Williams (Swansea City)
A fine centre-back linked a couple of times with big clubs in the past, Ashley Williams continues to do the buiness for Swansea City, helping them to a strong defensive record and good start to this season.
DC: Neven Subotic (Borussia Dortmund)
Often outshone by his big-name defensive partner Mats Hummels, Neven Subotic has also been a key part of Borussia Dortmund’s recent success, putting in some assured displays at the back.
MC: Nemanja Matic (Chelsea)
Partnered by the more glamorous Cesc Fabregas, Nemanja Matic perhaps doesn’t get the recognition he deserves for his fine defensive work and ball-playing skills in Chelsea’s midfield.
MC: Fabian Delph (Aston Villa)
An ever-improving player, Fabian Delph has been superb in recent times for Aston Villa, earning a recent England debut and becoming a hugely important player for his club, with a vast array of skills in the middle of the park.
MR: Andre Schurrle (Chelsea)
Perhaps not in the same bracket as big-name team-mates such as Eden Hazard, Oscar and Willian, but German winger Andre Schurrle has been superb for Chelsea this season and also caught the eye for Germany at this summer’s World Cup, setting up their winning goal in the final against Argentina with a great run and cross.
ML: Dusan Tadic (Southampton)
One of the bargains of the summer, Dusan Tadic has shone at Southampton this season after also impressing in the Eredivisie last term. The Serbian international already arguably looks like an upgrade on Adam Lallana, who was sold to Liverpool.
FC: Mario Mandzukic (Atletico Madrid)
Under-appreciated at Bayern Munich, Mario Mandzukic may not be the most pleasing player on the eye, but the hard-working Croatian gets the job done in front of goal and is a superb target man, who should shine at Atletico Madrid after his summer move to Spain.
FC: Olivier Giroud (Arsenal)
A player whose importance is perhaps being realised now he’s out injured, Olivier Giroud’s physical frame, touch and eye for goal makes him a big player for Arsenal, despite some occasional wayward finishing. Far from being the best in the world, he is still a top Premier League striker and not the laughing stock he is sometimes made out to be.