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Over the years, the Premier League has rapidly grew into a huge global brand, showcasing the thrill of English football from England to all seven continents. At the face of this brand has been some of world football's best players, who make up six clubs that fans and experts dub 'the big six'.
These sides constantly make headlines while their players earn the respect and adoration of fans like no other. Below this good crop of players, however, lies another group that isn't often glorified for their ability as much their counterparts.
In fact, if we put public status, club size and sometimes even current form aside to focus only on player ability, we can fairly conclude that they are just as good as their fellow top six players.
That said, let's shine a little light on them by picking the best non-top-six XI in England's top flight.
Goalkeeper
For any goalkeeper serving from a second-choice position, coming in to replace the club's first choice 'keeper is an eagerly desired, yet difficult job. Shotstoppers coming in to replace the main man between the sticks face the challenge of having to perform like a number one in front of a crowd that considers them second-best.
It is only right then, that they be given credit for rising up to that challenge well and one man who has done that is Burnley's Nick Pope.
The 6'2" Englishman is an immediate candidate for the 'keeper's position and he has backed that up with solid performances for the Clarets, keeping nine clean sheets in the league this season.
Pope has a save average of 77.4 % from the shots he has faced, the highest of any goalkeeper below the top six and the second-highest in the league behind Manchester United's David De Gea.
He has shown his potential to be truly massive and could, if whispers are to be believed, be in line for an England national team call-up soon.
Defence
Right-back: Seamus Coleman
10 months after breaking his leg whilst playing for the Republic of Ireland in a World Cup qualifier, Everton's Seamus Coleman has returned to make his first two appearances of the season for the club, featuring in home wins against Leicester City and Crystal Palace.
The 29 year-old may still be on the path to rediscovering his best form but is still considered one of the league's best defenders with his defensive awareness and attacking enthusiasm - as well as a never-say-die attitude - earning him a place in the side.
Centre-Back: Harry Maguire
Weighing in at 100 kilograms and standing as high as 1.94 meters, Harry Maguire is another one of the players naturally fit for their position in the Premier League.
The Leicester City defender has impressed following a move from relegated Hull City this season, showcasing a strong tackling ability, good concentration levels and an aerial presence that has earned him two goals for the Foxes.
Maguire has also earned his first England call-up and could be in line to represent the Three Lions at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Centre-Back: Nathan Aké
Calm, agile, technically gifted and capable of filling multiple positions, Nathan Aké is arguably one the most underrated defenders in the top flight currently.
The Dutch star, who came through the ranks at Chelsea, made his way over to Bournemouth in search of first team action and has since shined as a regular for Eddie Howe's side.
Aké has played all 28 of the Cherries' games this season; making 44 tackles and winning 147 duels - contributing to 5 clean sheets.
Left-Back: Ryan Bertrand
Southampton may be having a season to forget as a team this year, but the South Coast club still have several outstanding individuals who can be considered top Premier League talents. Ryan Bertrand certainly fits into that bracket, as a left-back boasting flair and experience.
Bertrand has also featured for his side in every one of their league games this season, boasting a tackle win ratio of 72% at one end and creating 25 chances at the other end - 3 of which were assists.
Midfield
Defensive Midfield: Idrissa Gueye
Everton's Idrissa Gueye is probably the closest thing one will find to N'Golo Kante - one of the Premier League's best defensive midfielders. The midfielder's low centre of gravity may initially be frowned upon, but he isn't a man to be underestimated.
His sterling work-rate off the ball (which saw him make the most tackles - 135 - in the league last season) makes him one of the league's hardest working midfielders; a truly underrated stalwart.
Central Midfield: Jonjo Shelvey
On any given day, he can be a manager's best and worst headache. Jonjo Shelvey is one of England's most talented midfielders, but that often gets undermined by his behavioral problems on and off the pitch.
His ability to pull the strings from the middle with short and long-range passes, however, earns him a place in this team. And at the age of 26, it is fair to say that Shelvey still has time to truly grow into the influential midfielder his potential testifies he can be.
Attacking Midfield: Manuel Lanzini
A tenacious Argentinian with very strong attacking capabilities, West Ham United's Manuel Lanzini has bordered on a move to one of the top six clubs for quite a while. That is all thanks to his enthusiastic dribbles, vision, passing ability and eye for a great goal.
These qualities have established the Hammers player as an attacking midfield star, something which his club are aware of and are reportedly set to confirm by offering him a new long-term deal amid interest from elsewhere.
Attack
Left Wing: Wilfried Zaha
Crystal Palace's Zaha counts as an instant danger-man for his side against any opponent. His quick-footed wing play down the left flank offers a headache to most Premier League full-backs, making him one of the league's best wingers and an obvious pick for this team.
Right Wing: Xherdan Shaqiri
Having played for two of Europe's top clubs in Bayern Munich and Inter, Stoke City's Xherdan Shaqiri has all the tools and positive experience needed to flourish in just about any side he plays for.
The 26-year-old, who has won 11 major trophies, is a born dribbler, who possesses pace, trickery and a great technical ability - a danger-man for any side he plays against.
The Swiss maestro's 7 goals and 6 assists have been his best tally in his three seasons in England's top flight, making the argument that he could still play for England's elite still plausible.
Centre Forward: Jamie Vardy
Perhaps no other Leicester City player embodies those words more than Jamie Vardy. The striker's relentless nature on the pitch is an outstanding quality admired by fans and experts alike.
His dynamism, tactical discipline, and finishing ability - amongst other qualities - are must-haves in any team and earn him a place in this squad.
Add to that his 13 Premier League goals this season, which make him the highest-scoring striker outside the top six, and it is clear that Vardy is easily the best of an underrated bunch.
