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Every year, the Premier League gives out awards to players who excel in the competition and help their teams to the title or in mounting a title challenge. Very little consideration has been given to players from the "smaller" teams, who cannot challenge for the Premier League title.
Many times, however, players from these smaller teams outperform the big guns, but they do not receive their deserved recognition. Many players end up not getting called up to their national teams for this reason, and it feels rather unfair on them.
Individual awards don't pain the whole picture about the best performers in the Premier League
The Premier League has the end-of-season PFA and FWA awards for excellent performers, but these often go to players from the title-winning team.
Here, we have put together a list of five players who have caught the eye with their consistency in the Premier League without receiving due recognition:
#5 Dwight McNeil
Burnley's 21-year-old English midfielder Dwight McNeil certainly displays a maturity beyond his age. The wide midfielder became a regular for Sean Dyche's side in the Premier League in the 2018-19 season, aged only 19. McNeil made his debut as an 18-year-old on the final day of the 2017-18 Premier League season.
The midfielder has been one of the first names on Burnley's team sheet since his debut and has gone on to amass 108 Premier League appearances for the Clarets. The youngster is blessed with impressive footwork and close control, and can swing in deadly crosses with his wand of a left foot. His defensive positioning and awareness are also commendable, traits expected of a Burnley regular.
Surprisingly, McNeil has never been invited to the England national team and has played only 10 times for the England U21s. Players with less experience than McNeil have been preferred in the Young Lions set-up, begging the question of how different things may be if he played at a bigger club.
#4 James Ward-Prowse
Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse has distinguished himself as one of the finest central midfielders in the Premier League. Like McNeil, he has only ever appeared for one club in the Premier League, featuring regularly for the Saints.
A dead-ball specialist, Ward-Prowse is one of the league's tidiest passers as he helps his side move the ball quickly and smartly with his precision. Described as a "true prospect" in 2014 by then-England manager Roy Hodgson, the 27-year-old has hardly had the chance to prove himself with the Three Lions.
He was left out of the final squad for Euro 2020, and has played only nine times for his country, a scarce reward for his quality and consistency.
#3 Lewis Dunk
Brighton and Hove Albion captain Lewis Dunk is another who has impressed in the Premier League without receiving due recognition. The Englishman is the centre-back who has scored the joint-most goals (11) in the league since his debut in 2017.
The two-time Seagulls' Player of the Year has been an important member of the Brighton side under Graham Potter, thanks to his distribution and calmness on the ball. He was selected to go in goal after goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was sent off against Newcastle in their Premier League clash at the weekend, underlining his importance to the side.
For all of his consistency and form, Dunk surprisingly has played only once for England, with his only cap coming in 2018. Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate has repeatedly overlooked the 29-year-old, preferring others over him.
#2 Vicente Guaita
Spanish goalkeeper Vicente Guaita has been one of the regular faces in the Premier League for Crystal Palace. The experienced shot-stopper joined the Eagles from Getafe on a free transfer and has made the club's no.1 shirt his own.
Guaita has earned rave reviews and plaudits for his performance since moving to Selhurst Park. He has been an important part of the defensive solidity that has seen Crystal Palace avoid relegation season after season.
Under Patrick Vieira this season, Guaita has conceded only 14 goals in 11 Premier League matches as the Eagles secured a brilliant start. They have conceded fewer goals than Manchester United, Leicester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton, teams expected to do better defensively. A big chunk of the praise for their defensive performance this season goes to Guaita for his breathtaking saves and presence in goal.
#1 Jarrod Bowen
West Ham United winger Jarrod Bowen has been one of the league's standout performers this season. The 24-year-old joined the Hammers from Hull City in the Championship midway through the 2019-20 season and has been impressive for the side.
He has scored two goals and registered four assists in 11 league appearances for the Hammers this season as they sit third in the Premier League table. The Englishman played a vital role in the Hammers ending Liverpool's seven-month-long unbeaten run, creating two goals as West Ham won 3-2.
Surprisingly, Bowen has never received a call-up to the English national team despite impressing since his switch to the Premier League. Provided that he manages to maintain his current level, it will not be long before he receives a call from Gareth Southgate.
