Defending is undoubtedly one of the lost arts in football, in modern football a defender is expected to start moves as much as defend his own six-yard box. However, there are those few who somehow manage to do them both (I know right?).
Underrated is probably the most qualitative word in the dictionary, to make a list of underrated players a huge part of the equation depends on the man who compiles the list (in this case, it’s me), so if you have an issue with the list comment below and I will happily ignore them.
So without further ado
#5 Kamil Glik
With the performances of the Monaco team in the Champions League and in the Ligue 1, it is hard to imagine that a player didn’t get his due, but Kamil Glik is that player. After his brilliant performances in the Euros for Poland, the 29-year-old was signed for the Ligue 1 leaders and how the decision been vindicated.
Brilliant on the ball, he has improved his aerial game to the extent that forwards a wary of challenging for the aerial balls. He is one of those players who hardly goes into the tackle, and still gets the job done.
Add to that the 7 goals and 1 assist to the list, and we have ourselves one of the best central defenders in Europe at the moment.
#4 Jonny Evans
A Manchester United academy graduate, the Irish centerback seemed destined to take over from the duo of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. He was probably the best centerback as well in the last season under Sir Alex Ferguson.
It didn’t work so well for the West Brom man when Louis van Gaal took over as manager at Old Trafford, and he was sold for a paltry sum of €8.3 million. Since then he has silently been brilliant for the Baggies, leading them to the top half of the table.
“I think he is probably one of the most underrated defenders in the Premier League” said international teammate Stuart Dallas. Given he has 4.7 clearances per game, one the highest number in the Premier League, he is vindicated.
Also, he has three Premier League titles.
#3 Mamadou Sakho
It’s really sad to see a very talented player’s career hindered due to off-field reasons. It is so clear on the pitch (when he plays of course), to the talent of Sakho. “Mamadou [Sakho] has shown a bit of steel and confidence. He's played at PSG and Liverpool, so he's got that inner confidence. He's been quite calm on the pitch and that's had an effect on other people”, says his Crystal Palace teammate Scott Dann.
He has single headedly dragged the relegation threatened side out of the bottom three, (and probably kept Sam Allardyce’s big reputation). Good on the ball, strong in the air, and quick into the tackle, it is hard to believe that just 12 months back he was probably going to be the first choice centerback for France.
#2 Cedric Soares
It is quite difficult to undermine a player who has won the European Championship with his national team. But, the fact that no one quite talks about Cedric is actually the personification of the player he actually he is, quietly impressive.
No one has quite yet noticed that Nathaniel Clyne has left Southampton, and it due to the brilliance afforded by the Portuguese. Quick, a good crosser of the ball and with brilliant positioning, he is one of the first names in Claude Puel’s teamsheet.
He makes 1.4 key passes per game, one of the highest for a full back in the English Premier league, and given the talent on show in England, it’s quite the compliment.
#1 Stefan Savic
Atletico de Madrid are undoubtedly one of the best defences in world football, and one-half of that is Stefan Savic. The ex-Manchester City has come up leaps and bounds since his time at Manchester, and is finally fulfilling the promise of which he came to be known as the “next Nemanja Vidic”.
He has played in 24 fixtures for Atletico, he wins 1.8 tackles per game, and has 2.3 interceptions per game, which is on par with his defensive partner Diego Godin. Given Godin is widely considered the best in the world, Savic’s performances for Atletico definitely deserve more plaudits.
