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The world of football is dominated by headline makers. The most popular clubs and their players usually hog the limelight. As a result, a lot of fantastic footballers slip under the radar because the tabloids stick to producing what sells.
The readership gobbles up sensationalism and scoffs at scout reports. That's why we're all surprised when one of the big clubs registers an interest in a lesser-known player. That's how football fans end up on YouTube, watching compilations of players wondering why they have not seen them in action before.
In the ongoing season, we've seen some of the best footballers in the world struggle to meet expectations. For instance, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have had extremely frustrating spells this term.
But there have also been players who have been excellent but have not really got the credit they deserve for it. Without further ado, let's take a look at five criminally underrated players in Europe this season.
#5 Ben White (Arsenal)
When Arsenal spent around €60 million to sign Ben White from Brighton & Hove Albion, eyebrows were raised. Did the Gunners really need to spend that much money to shore up their defence when there were other departments that needed improvement as well? Well, the jury is still out on that.
But the fact that White has improved this Arsenal side is beyond question. The 24-year-old received a considerable amount of flak as the Gunners lost all of their first three Premier League matches this season. However, he has recovered immensely and turned things around.
White is one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League right now. But the praise has simply not been as loud as the criticism he had to endure this term. The Gunners have the joint-fifth-best defensive record in the league. White has helped Arsenal keep 11 clean sheets in 20 Premier League appearances this term.
He is pretty strong in the air and is quite adept at making tackles, blocks and interceptions. The Englishman has a long career ahead of him and could go onto be a huge star for Arsenal.
#4 Joel Matip (Liverpool)
All the praise that Liverpool receive for being a solid defensive unit is fervently forwarded to Virgil van Dijk. The Dutchman is a phenomenal defender but things would be difficult for any world-class centre-back if their partner is not up to scratch.
But in Joel Matip, Van Dijk has a dependable partner at the heart of defence. With the Dutchman holding the fort down at the back, Matip has been given the freedom to roam ahead and get involved in the build-up this season.
We've all seen how Liverpool struggled in the absence of both Van Dijk and Matip last term. That's why the Anfield faithful are relieved to see two of their best centre-backs playing at the top of their game in the ongoing season.
The 30-year-old has done an excellent job for Liverpool and has been key to the Merseysiders' Premier League and Champions League campaigns this term. He has displaced Joe Gomez from the starting lineup and has burgeoned into one of the best defenders in the league. But Matip hardly gets any credit for it.
#3 Ivan Perisic (Inter Milan)
Ivan Perisic is one of the most underrated wingers of his generation. The Croatian international turned 33 earlier this month but continues to be one of Inter Milan's best players. Perisic also played a crucial role in Croatia's run to the final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
He scored a goal each in the semi-finals and the final of the competition and was one of the Croats' most dependable players at the tournament.
He garnered plenty of attention from Manchester United during that time when Jose Mourinho was in charge of the Red Devils. But their focus on promoting young players acted as an impediment and Perisic never came to the Premier League.
Inter Milan are embroiled in an exciting title race in Serie A and Perisic has been one of their most important players this term. He has predominantly been deployed as a wing-back this season and has excelled in that role.
Perisic has scored five goals and provided three assists in 32 appearances across all competitions for the Nerazzurri this term. It looks like he still has a few more years left in the tank as well.
#2 Domenico Berardi (Sassuolo)
Domenico Berardi has to be the most underrated Italian player currently. The 27-year-old has been playing for Sassuolo since 2013. He has been one of the most consistent players in Serie A over the past few seasons but he effectively became a popular figure only during Italy's triumphant Euro campaign last year.
In six matches in the continental competition, Berardi registered two assists. He is one of the best right wingers in Europe right now. In 23 appearances across all competitions for Sassuolo this term, Berardi has netted 10 times while setting up another 11.
He is a technically gifted attacker whose composure and decision-making in the final third are commendable. Berardi can cut in and curl the ball into the top corner just as well as he can rush towards the byline to whip in a cross.
However, Sassuolo are sitting 12th in Serie A right now and for that reason, Berardi hardly gets the credit he deserves.
#1 Dimitri Payet (Marseille)
Dimitri Payet has been in wonderful form for Marseille this season. The nimble-footed Frenchman has been a joy to watch this term, gliding past defenders and navigating cul-de-sacs with ease and grace.
The 34-year-old averages 3.7 key passes per game in Ligue 1 and that's the highest of any player in the league. He has been in spectacular form this season but has not been getting much attention.
In 29 appearances across all competitions for Marseille, Payet has scored nine goals and provided nine assists. However, his name hardly ever comes up during discussions on the best playmakers on the continent.
