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Recently, we provided a list of over-rated players in the Premier League, but this season there have been plenty of top performers who have produced for their team and showed their quality that have not been given their due respect. From goalkeepers making crucial saves to forwards who can change the game in an instant, these underrated stars have been pivotal for their respective teams. In this article, we shine a spotlight on these unsung heroes of the Premier League, highlighting the players whose contributions have been vital but often overlooked. Here’s out XI of underrated players from this season.
Goalkeeper: Vicario (Spurs)
Underrated. Doesn’t get his respect. Yes, Spurs are playing an exciting style of football, but the Italian keeper is always pulling off saves during matches, looking assured in his first season. One of the most assured goalies in the Premier League. It won’t surprise me if a big Italian or European club comes in for him in the summer. His good form earned him his first international cap this year in March, where he kept a clean sheet.
Defender: Dalot (Man Utd)
Diogo Dalot has been at Man Utd for a few seasons now, and when you think of their quality, his name is not the first that comes to mind. However, the Portuguese fullback has shone this season, playing on the right and the left. His defensive qualities have been at a level that Man Utd don’t look as confident when he is not on the pitch. He has been an important player in terms of attacking build-up, but because he is underrated this usually gets lost in the usual diatribe by ex-Man U pundits.
Defender: Akanji (Man City)
I know what you’re thinking: surely not a Man City player should appear in this team, but Manuel Akanji does not get the same plaudits as some of his defensive counterparts. For example, Josko Gvardiol has had columns written about him after scoring in three successive games, which is no mean feat.
However, underrated Akanji has played in five positions this season and rarely gets beaten 1-on-1 or misses games through injury, suspension, rotation, or loss of form but doesn’t get the mentions. His pace, height, defensive ability, and skill on the ball make him a cert for the team of the season, but don’t be surprised if he doesn’t make the cut.
Defender: Andersen (Crystal Palace)
The Crystal Palace defender has been underrated this season despite being outstanding this season, showing excellent passing ability and a comfort on the ball akin to that of a midfielder. He scored a spectacular goal at Old Trafford earlier in the season and has continued showing his class, particularly in defensive situations throughout the season. His leadership and fearlessness have often galvanised the team, and surely bigger teams will be considering his services. One to look out for playing for Denmark in the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament.
Defender: Pinnock (Brentford)
It’s been a mixed season for Ethan Pinnock, missing large chunks due to injury, but he has proven to be a bigger loss this season than his teammate Ivan Toney. These players have impacted Brentford’s progression, but each time Pinnock has played a run of games, Brentford have looked more solid and organised at the back.
He is very good in the air, cultured on the deck, and is a tough tackler who can ease players off the ball with his superior upper body strength. Really underrated like many on this list who play for the so called smaller teams.
Defender: Rodri (Man City)
I’ll keep this one short and sweet. Yes, he is the Spanish national team captain. Yes, he scored the winning goal in Man City’s Champions League final in the 22/23 season. Yes, he has not lost a Premier League match in 49 games, and when injured this season, City failed to win. And yes, he has had plenty of plaudits in the media; we know this. However, for some reason, he is not on the shortlist for Player of the Season. When the list comprises players such as Declan Rice ahead of him and Virgil van Dijk, it’s clear his performances are really underrated.
Midfielder: Groß (Brighton and Hove Albion)
What a player. Brighton like a technical player who can play in multiple positions, and no one exemplifies the quality needed to be a versatile footballer more than Pascal Groß. He has played as a full-back, central midfielder, and in attack, where he famously scored Brighton’s first ever Premier League goal. He constantly picks out assists with 10 so far this season and has scored 4 goals. Every season he produces but yet is still criminally underrated I am surprised none of the bigger clubs have come in for him because of his versatility. While it has seemingly gone unnoticed, on 31 August 2023, Groß received his first call-up to the Germany national senior team.
Midfielder: Sarr (Spurs)
The Spurs midfielder has been a revelation this season, fitting into Head Coach Ange Postecoglou’s footballing philosophy of brave attacking football and aggressive high press defensive play. He has shown incredible energy levels, adding great value on and off the ball. When he has been out of the side, it’s been noticeable that Spurs are easier to play through. He keeps his game simple and rarely gives the ball away, but he tends to make the right pass at the right time more often than not. However, it may until next season for him to get recognition, similar to N’golo Kante who was underrated in his first season.
Forward: Morris (Luton Town)
The Luton forward would be disappointed with their season and as a result his own performances in part, but he should look back at his first season with some pride. Morris has had to play in a side hit with an injury crisis for the majority on the season but has managed to appear to be one of their more consistent performers.
He can hold the ball up a or lead the line playing of the shoulder and has an excellent eye for a pass with great delivery in the box for his strike partner. Because of Luton form it’s easy for any player to be underrated particularly if you battling relegation. If Luton go down you would expect him to stay but there will surely be an enquiry or two regarding his availability.
Forward: Alvarez (Man City)
Can a World Cup winner possibly be underrated? Well, if you are not a regular starter for Man City, then yes. Alvarez established himself as a skilled marksman in his first season with the ability to play in a front two, as a Number 10, Number 9, and on the wing, scoring and creating freely.
Since the signing of Erling Haaland, his appearances have dwindled, but when he has been used, he has shown his qualities and has been a consistent option as a game-changer for City. He doesn’t seem to get the same love from the media as some of his teammates, and it is baffling why he is seemingly unloved by writers and pundits and is underrated given his range of finishing, overall ability, and football IQ. Few City forward play week in, week out.
Forward: Solanke (Bournemouth)
It’s been a great season for the Bournemouth striker. After years of showing potential, he seems to have found his place as the ‘main man’ at Bournemouth, with the tactics and trust given by his manager Andoni Iraola no doubt adding to his confidence and game. He scores all types of goals with really quick feet and nice touches when closely marked. I don’t think he is getting the credit he deserves, but maybe he has to replicate his form next season and kick on. I would like to think he should be in the shake-up for the England Euro 2024 squad, but maybe he is underrated because a lack of recognition due of the club he plays for.
So what did you think of Underrated FC? Who would you transfer in and transfer out? Tell us in the comments sections
