Which Premier League players go on the radar and miss out the deserved adulation of their fans?
The Telegraph have compiled a list of each Premier League’s club unsung hero, who tends to miss out on the praise. Here is who they selected…
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Arsenal- Olivier Giroud
The Frenchman has scored 49 goals in 91 starts for the Gunners, giving him a strike rate comparable with most top Premier League strikers, yet Giroud has seemingly failed to fill the boots of former greats Thierry Henry and Ian Wright for fans.
Aston Villa- Ashley Westwood
The midfielder cost just £2m from Crewe Alexandra when he moved to Villa Park in 2012, and has adapted well to life in the Premier League. Westwood has been playing mostly as a deep-lying playmaker, but has seemingly gone under the radar, perhaps due to a lack of goals.
Burnley- Ashley Barnes
Danny Ings may have taken all the plaudits this season, but Ashley Barnes has had a big hand in his strike partner’s success. Barnes himself has also chipped in with five goals in the Premier League, including winners against Southampton and Hull.
Chelsea- Willian
Willian’s contribution this season has been somewhat overshadowed by the headline-grabbing performances of Eden Hazard and Diego Costa, but the Brazilian has been an integral part of the Chelsea attack. His late winner against Everton helped his side maintain a strong lead over Manchester City in the table.
Crystal Palace- Scott Dann
Scott Dann has made 24 appearances in all competitions for Crystal Palace this season, so it would be fair to say that the 28-year-old is a large reason behind why Alan Pardew’s team currently sit 13th in the Premier League, and look good to avoid the drop.
Everton- Steven Naismith
The Scotland international may not have the goalscoring record of a traditional striker, but he is forgiven for his sheer work rate. Naismith has chipped in with goals though, scoring seven in all competitions for the Toffees.
Hull City- Ahmed Elmohamady
It’s been a tough season for Hull City, and if they’re going to get themselves out of trouble, they will be largely relying on the Egyptian to create chances for their strikers.
Leicester City- Riyad Mahrez
Nigel Pearson’s side remain routed to the bottom of the Premier League, but that is no reflection on Riyad Mahrez. The winger has been one of Leicester’s best players this season. Should the Foxes fall back into the Championship, it is unlikely the Algerian will be going with them, with plenty of Premier League managers likely to be interested in the 23-year-old.
Liverpool- Jordan Henderson
Jordan Henderson had arguably struggled to live up to the heavy price tag that took him from Sunderland to Liverpool before this season. But with seemingly extra responsibility in the Liverpool midfield, the England international has started to look like the player that could help fill the void when Steven Gerrard leaves at the end of the season.
Manchester City- James Milner
With the likes of Yaya Toure and David Silva around, it might seem bizarre to some that Manuel Pellegrini is trying so hard to keep James Milner at the club. His performances have meant that he has been arguably the most consistent player at the Etihad this season.
Manchester United- Paddy McNair
Manchester United’s injury problems handed the 19-year-old his place in the team, and despite the more established players gradually returning, he still continues to feature under Louis Van Gaal. The manager rates him so highly that McNair signed a new contract this year, keeping him at the club until 2017.
Newcastle United- Papiss Cisse
When Papiss Cisse arrived in the Premier League, it appeared that every time he kicked a ball, it would end up in the back of the net. However, his form since led to a lot of criticism from the Newcastle fans. This season, however, has seen an upturn in form for the Senegalese striker, who has returned 10 goals in 16 appearances in all competitions.
Queens Park Rangers- Richard Dunne
The performances of the experienced centre-back, as well as that of goalkeeper Robert Green have helped QPR get out of the relegation zone, and their continued reliability will be key if Chris Ramsey is to keep them in the Premier League.
Southampton- Jose Fonte
Jose Fonte has been with Southampton since their League One and continues to be one of the first names on Ronald Koeman’s teamsheet despite, both the summer exodus and the continual influx of talented youngsters. Perhaps age may be the main reason that the Portuguese defender hasn’t really been linked with a top Premier League club.
Stoke City- Ryan Shawcross
Mark Hughes is trying to move Stoke away from their long ball, set piece specialist reputation, but he continues to rely on central defender, Ryan Shawcross. Shawcross has played in most of Stoke’s Premier League games this season, and is considered a key reason why the Potters currently sit in the top half.
Sunderland- Adam Johnson
Adam Johnson continues to endear himself to Sunderland fans as he again scored the winning goal in the Tyne-Wear derby in December. Despite this, his name doesn’t seem to be even mentioned any longer as a contender for an England call-up, but if he keeps playing how he has done this season, Roy Hodgson may have to take notice.
Swansea City- Ki Sung-Yeung
The Korean’s passing ability has meant that, despite a year away from the club on loan at Sunderland, he has slotted into the Swansea team this year with no problems at all. He scored the equaliser when his current club hosted Sunderland earlier in the month, proving his loyalties lie in South Wales.
Tottenham Hotspur- Ryan Mason
The midfielder has definitely been overshadowed by another of Tottenham’s academy graduates currently making the grade in the first team, but Mauricio Pochettino seems to have as much faith in Ryan Mason as he does Harry Kane. The 23-year-old has made 22 appearances in all competitions, suggesting that he’s now considered a first-team contender at White Hart Lane.
West Bromwich Albion- Claudio Yacob
Claudio Yacob’s career at West Brom struggled to take off for a long time, but the midfielder now finds himself an integral part of new manager Tony Pulis’s plans at The Hawthorns and has taken his opportunity with a string of good performances.
West Ham United- Adrian
The Spanish goalkeeper was relatively unheard of, even after his free transfer to West Ham in 2013. But this season, Adrian has been consistent and cemented his position, beyond doubt, as the Hammers’ number one.