The most underrated player on every Premier League team

Huddersfield Town v West Bromwich Albion - Premier League
A lot of players in the Premier League go about doing their business quietly but efficiently

Each club has some star players who get the headlines and rightly so. But each team has certain players who do their job efficiently and effectively, albeit under the radar. Due to this, they don't receive the hype from the general public that they deserve.

On that note, here are the most underrated players from each Premier League team.


AFC Bournemouth - Ryan Fraser

AFC Bournemouth v Everton - Premier League
Ryan Fraser scored a match-winning brace against Everton

Last season, Fraser, a diminutive winger was an underused substitute initially. But he catalyzed the Cherries' 4-3 comeback win over Liverpool in sensational style in December.

Since then, he has enjoyed a run of sorts, in which he has scored 6 and assisted a further 5 already. Possessing loads of pace and trickery, Fraser is certainly not a full-back's dream.

Eddie Howe has unearthed a real gem in Fraser, who at just 23 can develop into a player worthy of better clubs.


Arsenal - Olivier Giroud

Arsenal v Newcastle United - Premier League
Olivier Giroud deserves more credit for the important goals that he scores

Since coming to the Premier League in 2012 from Montpellier, only Romelu Lukaku, Sergio Aguero, and Harry Kane have netted more than Giroud's 73 league goals. Considering that over 30 percent of his appearances were off the bench, that is quite impressive.

The Frenchman's minutes per goal ratio of 157.8 minutes features in the top 20. He has reached double figures in his league tally in each of the five seasons at the Emirates. His record of 105 goals in 249 appearances for Arsenal is certainly commendable.

In spite of these numbers, Giroud continues to face unnecessary flak from the footballing community. A £13 million striker who has crossed a century of goals and doesn't get the praise his goals deserve; underrated, don't you think?

Brighton and Hove Albion - Shane Duffy

Brighton and Hove Albion v AFC Bournemouth - Premier League
Shane Duffy (right) has been a towering presence for Brighton at the back

Brighton were expected to find the top flight tough to handle, but they have held their own commendably this season. A major reason for this has been their tight defence of which Shane Duffy has been a major part of.

The Seagulls have kept 8 clean sheets this term and only 7 sides have bettered this tally. Duffy has been brilliant for them, and he leads the league in clearances made. His threat from set pieces is also considerable. All in all, a solid defender.


Burnley - Ben Mee

Brighton and Hove Albion v Burnley - Premier League
Ben Mee has been an absolute rock for Burnley in defence

During their time in the Premier League, Burnley have proven to be a stubborn opposition numerous times, and Ben Mee has been an integral part of that. Sean Dyche's side have reached new levels this season, and much of the credit has to go to their defence skippered by Mee.

A true English defender, Mee is aerially strong at both ends of the pitch. He has been the anchor for Sean Dyche's defence for the past years and to great effect. Under the radar for some time, Mee and the rest of the Clarets are finally getting the recognition they deserve.

Chelsea - Cesar Azpilicueta

Chelsea v Southampton - Premier League
Azpilicueta has impressed yet again this season

Versatile, solid, clever, and industrious. Azpilicueta embodies all these qualities and has been a regular in a tight Chelsea backline over the years.

His versatility has enabled him to nail down left-back, right-back, and centre-back places when needed. Jose Mourinho preferred the right-footed Spaniard as a left-back over specialist Filipe Luis and 'Azpi' delivered.

A total team player, Azpilicueta doesn't grab the headlines much but does his job quietly and efficiently. His awareness, pace, stamina and diligence make him a tremendous defender and a manager's dream.


Crystal Palace - Ruben Loftus-Cheek

West Bromwich Albion v Crystal Palace - Premier League
Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been an integral part of Roy Hodgson's Crystal Palace

It wasn't long ago that Ruben Loftus-Cheek was an inconsistent performer. The scenario has changed now and he one of the most key elements of Roy Hodgson's side.

An attacking midfielder, the Chelsea loanee is most comfortable in the 'hole' behind the striker. His physicality and pace enable him to brush off defenders.

He has impressed at Palace already, and some maturity can develop him into a fine player. He is certainly a future England prospect.

Everton - Idrissa Gueye

Everton v Swansea City - Premier League
Gueye has been a vital player at Goodison Park

The Senegalese international has been a rock in the Everton midfield since his arrival in 2015. His 144 tackles and 141 interceptions ranked first in the league last season, even ahead of the highly regarded N'Golo Kante.

It is a surprise that no club approached the Toffees for the services of Gueye this summer, given his consistent performances in the last two seasons. He has continued his high standards this season as well without catching the eye of many.


Huddersfield Town - Christopher Schindler

Huddersfield Town v Stoke City - Premier League
Schindler has turned up some spectacular performances for the Terriers

Huddersfield's story of the season is quite similar to Brighton's - a tight defence enabling them to survive in the league. Schindler has been the standout performer at the back for the Terriers.

He is third in the league in clearances made, which are of utmost importance as David Wagner's side are used to defending in the majority of the games. The German international is certainly impressing in his debut Premier League season.

Leicester City - Marc Albrighton

Leicester City v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League
Albrighton continues to deliver for Leicester

Albrighton is another player on this list who is not that flashy or eye-catching but does his job efficiently and effectively. He has continued to be ever-present in the Leicester side despite a change in management.

Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez and even Demarai Gray are more popular players for the foxes, but the former Aston Villa man has scored 2 and set up a further 6 in the Premier League this season, a great tally. Albrighton also guarantees complete discipline each time, diligently carrying out his defensive duties.


Liverpool - Roberto Firmino

Liverpool v Swansea City - Premier League
The Brazilian has delivered the goods yet again for the Merseyside Red outfit

Firmino does not usually feature in the elite Premier League strikers according to many, who put Kane or Aguero in that bracket. However, that is because the Brazilian is a completely different No. 9.

His tally of 9 goals and 4 assists this season is decent but nowhere near the likes of Harry Kane or his teammate Mohammed Salah. But Firmino offers so much more than just goals and assists.

He initiates Klopp's famed gegenpress, and his energy coupled with his work rate is integral to Liverpool's gameplan. Firmino's unique all-round game is what makes him invaluable to the Reds.

Manchester City - Fernandinho

Manchester City v Southampton - Premier League
Fernandinho has been instrumental for Manchester City

Even if a team possesses a plethora of attacking resources to choose from, the holding midfielder is just as important. That importance is even more when the team has just one reliable option.

Fernandinho has performed effectively as City's midfield anchor, starting all but two league games. He has provided solidity to Guardiola's backline and has instigated many forays forward.

Naturally, the likes of Sergio Aguero, Kevin De Bruyne, and Raheem Sterling grab the attention but the value of Fernandinho cannot be overlooked in City's record-breaking season.


Manchester United - Ashley Young

Watford v Manchester United - Premier League
Ashley Young has rejuvenated his Manchester United career, albeit as a left-back

Young has reinvented himself at Old Trafford this season when it looked like he would be heading out of Manchester. He has made 17 starts in the league already, compared to the meagre total of 12 in the whole of last season.

The former Aston Villa man has been used as a utility player by Jose Mourinho. Young has slotted into the full back position on either side of the pitch as needed. His crossing, dribbling and expertise over the dead ball has not waned, as was exhibited by his brace at Watford. Young's professionalism and experience have turned him into a valuable asset for United.

Newcastle United - Jonjo Shelvey

Newcastle United v Luton Town - The Emirates FA Cup Third Round
Shelvey has been the silent workhorse in Newcastle's midfield

Newcastle have had a rocky campaign back in the Premier League. One of the reasons for this is that Rafa Benitez simply does not know his best lineup and formation. However, any Newcastle lineup should include one player, and that is Jonjo Shelvey.

Shelvey is Newcastle's most creative player and the Magpies have unsurprisingly struggled for goals when he has not played. The England international has great passing abilities and can run the show for his team with his composed midfield play.

How he fails to start for a relegation-threatened team is dumbfounding.


Southampton - Steven Davis

Southampton v West Ham United - Premier League
Davis has excelled at Southampton

Davis has been a regular for Southampton since their inception in the Premier League in 2012, raking up over 200 appearances. His consistent and dependable performances have often gone under the shadow of more illustrious teammates.

Northern Irishman Davis has completed a century of appearances for his country as well. His versatility has been of great value to the Saints. Davis's work all over the pitch and his eye for a killer pass makes him one of the first names on the team sheet for club and country.

Stoke City - Bruno Martins Indi

Newcastle United v Stoke City - Premier League
Bruno Martins Indi's absence due to injury has been largely felt by Stoke this season

Martins Indi has made only 8 appearances for Stoke this season due to injury. But one can see his performances last season to understand his calibre.

The Dutchman possesses an all-round defensive game. Tackles, interceptions, headers; he does it all. His rough physique guarantees a tough day for any opposing striker. The Potters have sorely missed him this season, conceding a league-high 47 goals this term.

Martins Indi has slipped off the radar due to his injury, but he will surely show his worth upon his return to action.


Swansea City - Ki Sung-yueng

Swansea City v West Bromwich Albion - Premier League
Ki can be unplayable on his day

Ki is a player who has shown spurts of his ability but has not been able to produce the goods consistently. He had a terrific 2014-15 season, performing the role of a box-to-box midfielder for the Swans. But he has not been able to replicate that form since.

The South Korean's ability to break play and launch his team forward is remarkable and he is unplayable on his day. He has been in and out of the team in recent years and his form has dipped considerably.

How the Welsh side would like for Ki to regain his old form.

Tottenham Hotspur - Son Heung-min

PFC CSKA Moskva v Tottenham Hotspur FC - UEFA Champions League
Son has continued to perform irrespective of the situation

Son has finally secured a permanent starting role in Mauricio Pochettino's side, but one wonders why did it take so long. The Korean had a spectacular 2016-17 season, scoring 21 goals in all competitions for Tottenham. 14 of them came in the league, despite starting just 23 times.

He has shown a thoroughly professional attitude despite not getting regular game time. Due to this, he has gained the players' and fans' respect alike. Such is his quality that upon starting, he almost always delivers. He is arguably the most underrated player in the Premier League.


Watford - Abdoulaye Doucoure

Watford v Manchester United - Premier League
Doucoure is Watford's top goalscorer this season

Watford signed Doucoure last season, but his impact has come to fore prominently this campaign. Marco Silva's team have experienced a topsy-turvy season, but Doucoure has impressed throughout.

The midfielder has brought composure and great industry to the Hornets. He has been clinical in the opposition box as well, scoring 6 goals already. The Frenchman has formed a formidable duo alongside Tom Cleverley in midfield.

Doucoure has been one of the star performers for Silva's Watford side.

West Bromwich Albion - Claudio Yacob

Swansea City v West Bromwich Albion - Premier League
Yacob has been a consistent performer for West Brom

The Argentina international has been a consistent performer in the Baggies' midfield for more than 5 seasons. He is just 4 short of 150 appearances in his solid spell at the Hawthorns.

Yacob has scored only one league goal, but his total of nearly 500 tackles in a five-year span is what defines him. He does all the dirty work in the midfield and brings solidity to the West Brom unit. The Argentine is certainly not the kind of person you want to mess with.


West Ham United - Aaron Cresswell

Everton v West Ham United - Premier League
Cresswell has been brilliant for West Ham

In the age of flying full-backs, the likes of Marcos Alonso and Kyle Walker are deservedly regarded. However, the Hammers possess a gem of a left-back as well. Aaron Cresswell has shown over the last four years that he is capable of competing with the top tier fullbacks, but his contributions have gone unnoticed.

His crossing is exceptional, and he leads in crosses for defenders this season despite being deployed at centre-back many times. Owing to this attribute he has chipped in with 4 assists as well. The England international is also a diligent defender, capable of keeping the opposing winger quiet.

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