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The Premier League is arguably the most entertaining league in Europe at the moment and regularly features some of the most competitive football matches on the continent. England has become the favorite hunting ground for the most promising talents in the sport and the league’s quality has in turn given the national team a boost on the European stage.
With so many players vying for supremacy in a highly competitive environment, however, it is only natural that a few talented names don’t get their due. While the Premier League has served as a stepping stone to several all-time greats, the sheer number of high-profile names often denies a selection of great players the spotlight they deserve.
The word "underrated" can be incredibly fickle at times, particularly when it comes to football. The fact remains that ardent fans of the Premier League will be well aware of most of its underrated players and might even disagree with the tag.
Nevertheless, there are players plying their trade in the Premier League who deserve much more credit for the work they’ve done over the past year. Without further ado, here is my take on the five most underrated players in the Premier League.
#5 Jonny Evans | Leicester City
With the likes of Wesley Fofana and Caglar Soyuncu for competition, the fact that Jonny Evans is a regular starter for Leicester City is a testament to his ability in itself. I thought he was quite unlucky at Manchester United and was still learning the ropes at the time. West Bromwich Albion managed to bring the best out of Evans and he hasn't looked back since.
The Northern Irishman has grown into one of the Premier League's most reliable defenders. I was all for Arsenal signing him at the time – the Gunners could have done with a seasoned center-back.
Evans decided to move to Leicester City, however, and has subsequently aged like fine wine. He keeps getting better with age and has formed a brilliant partnership with Caglar Soyuncu. Jonny Evans is the leader of that Leicester City backline and will always play when he’s fit, and it is a travesty that he rarely gets a mention.
#4 Ezri Konsa | Aston Villa
It comes as quite a shock to me that Ezri Konsa is yet to make his senior debut with England. Konsa belongs to that rare breed of defenders who excel at everything they do. Konsa is great at reading danger and his strength and pace are the ideal qualities you should look for in a Premier League center-back.
Konsa also bursts forward and has already shown that he has plenty of goals in him. He’s a massive aerial threat and loves getting to the end of crosses in the box. At the moment, I reckon there’s not much separating him from Tyrone Mings in that Aston Villa defense.
The Premier League has a lot of highly-rated players and this could be a factor in the lack of discourse around Ezri Konsa’s ability. I do occasionally wonder if I’m missing something when he isn’t talked about as much as his illustrious colleagues.
#3 James Ward-Prowse | Southampton
When James Ward-Prowse played in England’s friendly last month, his performance was convincing enough to warrant a place in the squad. England were looking for an additional player at the time and with Ward-Prowse toying with his opponents and spraying the ball around the pitch, I find myself at a loss to believe that he didn’t accompany England at the Euros.
James Ward-Prowse is arguably the best set-piece taker in the world at the moment and has been one of Southampton’s best players this year. In my opinion, England were too safe in their midfield at the Euros and a player of Ward-Prowse’s profile could have completed their jigsaw.
That being said, James Ward-Prowse is a popular figure in the Premier League and his talents are known to those involved in the league. The Southampton man deserves a few more chances with England, however, and will remain underrated until he’s given an opportunity to prove his mettle on the big stage.
#2 Chris Wood | Burnley
From what I’ve seen of him, Chris Wood is a proper handful. All you need to do is put the ball into the box and the Burnley striker will be sure to wreak havoc. Wood is one of the most underrated forwards in the Premier League and all-round ability makes him a nightmare to defend against.
Alongside Ashley Barnes, Chris Wood has become Burnley’s talisman over the years and is arguably their most important player. I’d also say that Wood is probably the primary reason his team continues to survive in the Premier League season after season.
Chris Wood is also deceptively quick both on and off the ball and works very hard to create chances for his side. He’s as good as anybody else when it comes to crosses into the box and has all the makings of a Premier League great.
#1 Raul Jimenez | Wolverhampton Wanderers
I have been following Wolves’ Raul Jimenez for quite some time now and I’m shocked that the big six have not made a note of his abilities. Jimenez has propelled Wolves to a mid-table finish and his side has struggled in his absence this year.
Raul Jimenez is crucial to Wolves’ fortunes and their former manager Nuno Espirito Santo effectively lost his job because of the strikér’s absence. Santo’s Wolves side suffered devastating defeats to the likes of Burnley last season and nearly lost their place in the Premier League.
With Nuno Espirito Santo now in North London, Spurs may well have an alternative to Harry Kane this season. With the England captain possibly on his way out, Santo will need to sign a replacement and Raul Jimenez suits the role to perfection.
The center-forward could also bring the best out of Heung-Min Son and make him look like one of the best in the Premier League. Son’s new four-year contract at the club could either indicate Harry Kane’s decision to stay or could prepare Tottenham for a future with an alternative striker.
Raul Jimenez’s involvement with the Mexico national team could deny him a move to a big club, however, given that the travel and time difference could complicate matters pertaining to his Premier League ambitions. I cannot possibly think of another reason why he has not been signed by a bigger club – Raul Jimenez is one of the best strikers on offer at the moment and is the most underrated player in the Premier League.
Also Read: Jim Beglin column - Best possible starting XI for Liverpool next season
