Top underrated and unappreciated players for every Premier League team. Manchester United scapegoat and forgotten Liverpool man included…
When a player doesn’t score a lot of goals, or dazzle the opposition with mazy runs, it’s easy for their contribution to the team to go largely unnoticed. But what about all those players who go about their business and quietly get things done?
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Here are the most underrated players for every Premier League team:
20) West Ham United – Mark Noble
The West Ham captain keeps things ticking over in midfield and is not afraid to get stuck in. His contributions go largely unnoticed however, mainly because he doesn’t offer as much flair as some of his teammates.
19) Tottenham Hotspur – Nacer Chadli
Chadli’s goals and assists have been vital to a struggling Tottenham side this season, although it’s normally Erik Lamela and Christian Eriksen who get the media attention.
18) Aston Villa – Ashley Westwood
A no nonsense midfielder who flies almost completely under the radar for Villa. His role in front of the back four provides a platform for his side to counter-attack from.
17) Manchester City – Edin Dzeko
With Sergio Aguero leading the line for the Premier League champions, Dzeko often looks poor by comparison. The Bosnian plays a massive role when his Argentine teammate is injured however, and he contributed a huge number of goals last season.
16) Hull City – Andrew Robertson
Steve Bruce’s summer signing has been fantastic this season so far. He is defensively solid but has also given his side a fantastic attacking outlet down the left. Coming to Hull as a relative unknown he looks capable of becoming a top quality Premier League star.
15) Swansea City – Ki Sung Yeung
A dominant force in the Swans midfield, Ki is not only able to break up play but start the attack as well. Capable of moments of creative brilliance, he is a vital part of Garry Monk’s set-up.
14) Everton – Sylvain Distin
The ageing centre-back’s impact on the team can be seen more this season due to his absence. He has struggled with injuries and fitness so far this campaign, and the Toffees’ defensive record has suffered because of it.
13) West Bromwich Albion – Chris Brunt
Brunt is a complete midfielder in many ways, capable of performing a number of roles for his club. He puts in a shift in every single game he plays in, and pops up with vital goals when needed.
12) Crystal Palace – Mile Jedinak
The Australian may be appreciated by some of his fans, but his role in the team cannot be overstated. He is a powerhouse in midfield, doing the dirty work that allows his side to push forward. He is also extremely reliable from the spot.
11) QPR – Bobby Zamora
Many feel that Zamora is no longer capable of making it at the top level, but he combines perfectly with Charlie Austin. The powerful forward is able to keep the attention of the opposition centre-backs, giving Austin the space he needs to create those all important goalscoring opportunities.
10) Stoke City – Steven N’Zonzi
Certainly somewhat reckless and can occasionally see his side into hot water, but his break-up play is fantastic and Stoke look a far worse team without him.
9) Chelsea – Gary Cahill
Although Cahill has risen to prominence with the Blues and become England’s undisputed centre-back, he is somewhat unappreciated due to the sheer quality in the rest of the Chelsea squad. John Terry gets most of the plaudits for defensive stability, but Cahill plays a vital role in Jose Mourinho’s side as well.
8) Leicester City – Richie de Laet
Leicester’s form has been somewhat erratic this season so far, but de Laet has been solid throughout. He was particularly dominant during the side’s famous victory over Manchester United, and may find himself with a number of suitors if Leicester fail to stay up this season.
7) Manchester United – Marouane Fellaini
The big Belgian struggled during his first season at United, but looks to be forcing his way into Louis van Gaal’s first team plans.
He has surprisingly been a shining light in a very poor Red Devils team this campaign, and has slowly started to garner respect after a number of fantastic performances.
6) Sunderland – Patrick van Aanholt
The Black Cats have missed the former Chelsea man following a nasty injury. He was occasionally a liability defensively, but his marauding runs from left-back were a huge part of Gus Poyet’s game earlier in the season.
5) Southampton – Jose Fonte
Many assumed that the Saints’ defence would crumble once Dejan Lovren moved to Liverpool, but it seems Portuguese star Fonte is the rock at the back for the Saints. Ronald Koeman has made his new side practically water tight this season, with Fonte largely to thank for his side’s continued defensive stability.
4) Liverpool – Philippe Coutinho
The Brazilian looked extremely promising when he first arrived at Anfield, but for one reason or another has found himself out of the team this season. When he has been brought on as a substitute he has tended to look like the best player on the pitch, which begs the point why is he not starting more?
3) Newcastle United – Moussa Sissoko
The powerful midfielder offers a little bit of everything. He can hold up the ball, put in a tackle, and his runs forward are extremely hard to stop. His one failing on occasion can be his low work-rate.
2) Burnley – Kieran Trippier
His set pieces for the relegation candidates have been fantastic, and he has the potential to take off in the Premier League once he gets running.
1) Arsenal – Kieran Gibbs
When he stays fit the Englishman is a vital part of Arsene Wenger’s team, and it’s easy to see why he is the first choice left-back. His attacking ability provides much needed width to the Gunners, and he is far more solid defensively than the likes of Nacho Monreal.