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One of the self-proclaimed problems with comedian Louis C.K. is that he apparently doesn’t know how to begin his shows. I face this same problem, too, when it comes to beginning an article – especially one that talks about underrated things.
Being an underrated writer myself (yup), I know how it feels to not be acknowledged like some of the others. In football, there are some players who aren’t appreciated as much as the others on their team, despite being wonderful in their craft.
With the Premier League about to kick off, I would like you folks to closely follow these underrated players this season…
#5 Jairo Riedewald
While Tottenham Hotspur are signing his former team-mate, Davinson Sanchez for a club record €35 million, it is quite absurd as to how Jairo Riedewald’s move to Crystal Palace went under the radar. It is not really surprising given that Sanchez is the one earmarked as a future star, but the 20-year-old defender Riedewald will become just as good, if not better.
Riedewald was a part of the Ajax defence that were second in the Eredivisie last season while also marching to the final of the Europa League. If the pre-season friendlies against Crystal Palace are any indication, then manager Frank de Boer has brought in a talent to England.
Riedewald has been moulded in the Dutch footballing school of thought at the Ajax academy and is one of those defenders who is very adept with the ball at his feet. He is not shy to tackle, but prefers to position himself intelligently and break up opposition attacks.
#4 Sandro Ramirez
When Sandro Ramirez broke into the first team of Barcelona under Luis Enrique, some fans expected a lot from him. Unfortunately, however, the arrival of Paco Alcacer meant that chances were going to be limited for the Canarian – and so he moved to Malaga on loan.
It was at the Costa del Sol where the former Barcelona boy found his best form as he scored 16 goals from 31 games for Malaga. And now, under Ronald Koeman and with the assistance of Wayne Rooney, the Spaniard could take his game to the next level.
Sandro is a strong forward, very good at linking up play and not afraid to chance his luck from distance. He often drops deep to become the extra midfielder and support the other forwards. Expect him to cause problems for quite a few defences in the Premiership.
#3 Idrissa Gueye
The fact that Idrissa Gueye has never been considered one of the most consistent players in his defensive midfield position is evidence of the lack of attention that he gets. It doesn’t matter to him, though, as he likes to keep his head down and continue working hard for his team.
He doesn't capture attention like N'Golo Kante does, but Gueye's influence at the centre of the park has been key for Everton. Ronald Koeman has spent a lot this summer, but the man who keeps it all together is the Senegalese.
Gueye is a good passer and a strong dribbler, but an even better guardian of the defence. Being a holding midfielder, he doesn't really draw many eyeballs but should be regarded as one of the Premier League's finest.
#2 Victor Wanyama
Tottenham are a team that are continuously improving under the watchful guidance of Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine has changed the complexion of the North London outfit as they are set to play in the Champions League for the second season in a row.
While Harry Kane and Dele Alli take most of the plaudits, Victor Wanyama’s work in front of the defence should be praised in equal measure. The Kenyan’s tenacity and ability to win possession in midfield is what keeps Spurs ticking.
It isn’t a coincidence that Spurs have improved ever since his arrival in the last summer transfer window. For Spurs, his presence as the guardian of the defence is fundamental for the likes of Alli and Eriksen to play freely.
Holding midfielders never really get the praise that they should, but let’s hope that changes with the chicken-loving African that plays for the Lilywhites.
#1 Roque Mesa
And the player that your eyes should always be fixated upon is Swansea City’s new signing, Roque Mesa. The Spaniard was perhaps the best player outside the top three clubs in La Liga last season.
Mesa is your stereotypical Spanish midfielder, short in stature and a huge bag of tricks up his sleeve. Hailing from Gran Canaria, he is a midfielder in the Xavi mould who creates channels of space with his movement and exploits them with his inch-perfect passes.
He is the ideal midfielder that keeps the tempo of the team ticking. If he flourishes in the Premier League this season, there is a good chance that he will head to Russia next year for the World Cup. And given the way Spanish midfielders have performed in England, there is a good chance of that happening.
