5 most underrated strikers in the English Premier League

#1 Jordan Ayew (Swansea)

Jordan Ayew is a valuable player for Swansea both offensively and defensively

The younger Ayew isn't an out and out striker, but he's filled that role since Carlos Carvalhal took the reigns at the Liberty Stadium, and he's done it really well.

Ayew has scored a lot of vital goals in the New Year, helping the team beat Arsenal and West Ham, while his goal also led to a valuable point away from home in a 1-1 draw with Newcastle. He also scored in the FA Cup against Sheffield Wednesday to take the side to the quarter-finals for the first time since 1964.

Ayew has surprised with his build-up play while making it tough for the opposition with his tricky feet. He's also provided two assists this season in the league, so a big percentage of the team's goals (25) have come with Ayew being involved (8).

But it isn't all offense with Ayew, the 26-year-old Ghanian is also one of the top defensive forwards in the league. He's so far recorded 2.1 successful tackles per game, which is the highest among all attacking players - Richarlison is the closest with 1.9 - and he also has 0.8 interceptions per game to his name, which is among the highest marks in the league for forwards as well.

The Swans basically would be doomed already if it weren't for Ayew and the effect of him missing has actually been clearly seen in the last couple of outings. The team didn't record a single shot attempt when Ayew was sent off early in a recent game at Huddersfield and a run of seven consecutive home wins ended with a 0-3 loss to Tottenham in a game, which Ayew missed because of a three-game suspension. Carvalhal's men ended up getting just two shots on goal in the game and a total of only three attempts.