Today I will be taking a look at the most underrated players who are currently playing in the premier league. I will be giving you my top 5 ballers, in no particular order who in my opinion don’t get enough credit from pundits and even their own fans.
Ola Aina
This may be a new name to some of you as not only is he still fairly young (although 24 in Football isn’t that young these days) he also has come out of nowhere a little. Another player part of the Chelsea loan scheme he has only ever made 3 appearances for the blues and that was a few years ago now but this season Scott Parker has given him much needed first team football at Fulham and has been a part of the current revival of the struggling premier league side. He is a energetic full back who is learning every game and in my opinion gives the London club much needed pace from full back. He has got 2 goals and 1 assist this season with one of those goals being voted goal of the month. He is also fairly sound defensively and although improvement can always be made, has looked solid in a back four that hasn’t always looked the most sturdy. Fulham should definitely look to make the move permanent and see how good he could get!
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg
Moving on to a name that most of us have likely heard of but not really given much thought to. I think Hojbjerg is one of Tottenham’s most important players. It is obvious to see why Jose was keen to get him in when he joined as he’s a perfect player in his systems to marshal the midfield and is in there to be mean and aggressive. He is never pretty or skilful, he’s a classic ball winning midfielder who breaks up the play when needed to wonderfully but can also get the team moving forward and up the pitch. With an astounding goal against Liverpool earlier this season and 3 assists to add to that, the former saint is enjoying his time with Spurs and will be an important part of the club if they are to make progress or even win some silverware in the coming seasons.
Raphinha
Now I know some of you, especially Leeds fans are already typing your angry comments about this one. How can Raphinha be underrated? Exactly, how is he still underrated. Leeds fans aside I still don’t think he gets the credit he deserves. Every time I’ve seen him play this season he’s been the creative outlet and the danger and the 5 goals and 5 assists in the league would back that up for a rather inconsistent side. With this being his first season in the premier league a lot of similar players to him before would of struggled but the Brazilian has taken it all in his side. Unlike Hojbjerg he has all the skill and flair of a Brazilian winger but also has added some final product and isn’t afraid to dig in and do the dirty work either. A player that Leeds should desperately try to keep hold of.
Pedro Neto
Wolves are a very decent team these days and have a few underrated players in my opinion. Rui Patricio is a very good keeper and Willy Boly is a great central defender. However for me Pedro Neto is the most undervalued and should be on all top clubs scouting lists. Another Portuguese prospect that Wolves have managed to get hold of he has all the qualities as a 20 year old to make it to the very top. 5 goals and 5 assists this season is decent for a young player and not all of those have been starts either. He is quick, low centre of gravity, skilful and can finish too. As a forward player I don’t see anything missing and get ready for him to start tearing the league up in the next few years.
Michail Antonio
West Ham are absolutely flying this season under David Moyes and have got underrated players all over the pitch however Michail Antonio has been underrated for years in my opinion so he’s my pick. West Ham fans know him but people don’t see how much work he puts in and that his has the quality to be a number 9 for the club. 7 goals and 3 assists this season for the hammers is very good and when you watch him play you see his biggest strengths. He is a workhorse and does the hard yard for the team even when playing up top. He’s a pure athlete who is rapid, strong and has a bit about him skilfully too. If West Ham are to keep the pace that they are currently at and finish in a European spot this season they will need the Englishman to keep performing and who knows where could end up if he does.
That’s my list! Hope you all enjoyed and let me know what players from your club or just the league in general are underrated in your opinion. The new predictor is up too so get over there give yourself a chance! New articles to follow, thanks again and until next time!
TheBeautifulGame 