Ranking the 5 most underrated midfielders in Premier League history

The efforts of some highly talented midfielders have gone unnoticed in the Premier League over the years.
The efforts of some highly talented midfielders have gone unnoticed in the Premier League over the years.

#3 Clint Dempsey

Dempsey's versatility was second to none during his spell in the Premier League
Dempsey's versatility was second to none during his spell in the Premier League

Despite his incredible exploits, it is quite disappointing that Clint Dempsey isn't considered among the best Premier League midfielders. Yet, it wouldn't be far-fetched to say the attacking midfielder was one of the best in the business during his time in the English top flight.

Clint Dempsey became the first American to score a Premier League hat-trick when he bagged three for Fulham against Newcastle United on January 21, 2012. He enjoyed a brilliant six-year spell with the Lillywhites, spending just one year at Tottenham Hotspur before returning to the MLS.

The USMNT star has a record of 57 goals and 21 assists to his name in 218 Premier League appearances. He called time on his football career in the summer of 2018.


#2 Gilberto Silva

Silva was an influential figure in Arsenal's historic 'Invincibles' team
Silva was an influential figure in Arsenal's historic 'Invincibles' team

Former Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva also belongs among the category of brilliant players whose efforts went unnoticed in the Premier League. The Brazilian switched to the English division in the summer of 2002, leaving Atletico MG for the north London club in a deal worth €9 million.

Silva became an instant success as he played a key role in Invincibles' season. He formed a powerful partnership with Patrick Vieira in midfield, shielding the defense effectively and contributing immensely to building up plays.

The Brazilian spent six years representing the Gunners in the Premier League. He made 170 appearances in the English top-flight, scoring 17 times and setting up his teammates on 12 occasions


#1 Michael Carrick

The midfielder won a whopping five Premier League titles
The midfielder won a whopping five Premier League titles

Michael Carrick made his debut Premier League appearance on August 28, 1999, replacing Rio Ferdinand in a 3–0 victory over Bradford City at Valley Parade. The midfielder ended up spending his entire professional career in the English top-flight representing clubs like West Ham, Tottenham and Manchester United.

He enjoyed the brightest phase of his career during his spell at Old Trafford. The Englishman won five league titles, one Champions League crown, three Carling Cups, one FA Cup and many others before hanging up his boots in July 2018.

In summary, Michael Carrick has a massive 481 Premier League appearances to his name, with 24 goals and 31 assists in his domestic career. He was appointed Manchester United's interim manager following the sacking of Jose Mourinho in 2018 and is currently a member of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team at Old Trafford.

Quick Links