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Some players get the recognition they deserve, some don't. There are players who are noticed for every little thing they do, be it on or off the pitch, good or bad. The likes of Leo Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Paul Pogba for instance.
However, there are a set of players who fight tooth and nail, and they yet go unnoticed for their doings. They contribute to the team in every way possible, delivering consistent performances week in week out, but they still somehow manage to dodge the limelight, unintentionally.
Here is my take on few of the Premier League players who are overlooked despite their consistent form, and starting with the unpopular yet the most effective player for Arsenal, Sead Kolasinac.
#5 Sead Kolasinac (Arsenal)
Fair to say, Kolasinac has thrived under Unai Emery. The Bosnian player has improved tremendously under Unai Emery and was a key part of Arsene Wenger's side as well, but injuries kept him sidelined for most of the season.
The left-back gets himself involved in the game better than most of the wingers, and his constant low crosses often tend to trouble the opposition defence.
Kolasinac has recorded 2.5 key passes in every game, and that shows the amount of involvement he has in Arsenal's attacks. Bellerin and Kolasinac through the flanks have registered nearly 7 assists in all competitions this season, and they are key players in Emery's era.
Arsenal was 22 games unbeaten till last week when they played Southampton away from home and registered their third loss of the season. Unsurprisingly, they were without Sead Kolasinac in the squad. That sums it up all.
#4 Ryan Fraser (AFC Bournemouth)
Ryan Fraser is the second highest assist provider (7) in the Premier League, only behind Eden Hazard, who has bagged 9. The winger has been on top-notch form this season and Eddie Howe's tactics have certainly influenced his game.
Bournemouth is one of the few sides outside the "top 6' who play with an attacking mindset, trying to create chances and start scoring early on.
It's pretty easy for the forwards to grab the limelight as they are the ones who often find the back of the net, and fans just love goal scorers. However, the 24-year-old has not got the recognition he deserves, mainly because he does not play for a big team.
Ryan Fraser has bagged 4 goals and 7 assists in just 17 games, and his side sits 11th on the table. A player who has started on such great terms in the toughest league in the world deserves recognition.
#3 Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)
Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool is the most in-form team in the Premier League right now, and they are yet to face a defeat. They are the only unbeaten team in the league, as Manchester City faced a calm and composed Chelsea side a few weeks back when they were beaten 2-0 at Stamford Bridge.
Liverpool's back four are the best in the league, as they have conceded just 7 goals in nearly 17 games, scoring 37 as well. Virgil Van Dijk is the man in form for Liverpool, as his vital defensive steel is paying off for Liverpool.
However, Andrew Robertson was the player who was ignored quite a lot of times for his immensely effective contributions, until last week when Mourinho praised the player for his performance against Manchester United.
Mourinho was impressed by the Reds left-back during his side’s 3-1 defeat at Anfield on Sunday, describing Robertson as “incredible” in his post-match press conference.
“He makes 100 metre sprints every minute,” the United manager said, before stating that his own players were incapable of the kind of high-intensity displays produced regularly by Robertson and Co.
Robertson has bagged 3 assists this season, and he is the major reason why Liverpool are such a balanced side. Klopp has certainly influenced his game since he took charge over Liverpool, and the left-back is only getting better and better with time.
#2 Granit Xhaka (Arsenal)
Granit Xhaka, the Swiss midfielder, an Underarmour athlete, and indeed, the armour for Arsenal's back four. Since the time Unai Emery took charge over Arsenal, Granit Xhaka was heavily linked to a move away from the Emirates, as Emery signed 2 defensive midfielders as soon as he joined.
However, instead of leaving, Xhaka's game has drastically improved, and his partnership with Torreira in the midfield has often won Arsenal games. Torreira was the person in the limelight after his world-class performances every other week, considering this is just his first season with Arsenal, and the Urugyuan won 4 MOTM awards in a row as well.
Praises came in at full speed for Lucas, but not many noticed the incredible performances Xhaka was putting in each matchday.
For every game Arsenal has lost or drawn this season, Xhaka has been played out of position. The away game against Crystal Palace, Southampton, Manchester United, and now against Tottenham. The Torreira and Xhaka partnership is very vital for Arsenal, as they have protected the back four better than anyone.
His aerial ability, through balls, and accurate shots have always paid off for the Gunners, and without him in the centre of the pitch, Arsenal have suffered. The Gunners adore him for his performances, or at least, I do. But what makes him underrated is that his name is rarely taken when we talk about the best defensive midfielders, but his consistency alone makes him a great asset for the North London club.
#1 Aymeric Laporte (Manchester City)
The former Athletic Bilbao captain signed for Manchester City back in January last season for a staggering fee of £57 million, making him one of the costliest defenders ever. But his price tag is not what makes him special.
Aymeric Laporte played just 9 games in the Premier League last term, as he came in the winter transfer market. However, this season, he is the player with the most minutes on the pitch for Manchester City. What makes him special is that despite his young age, he has benched the likes of Kompany and Otamendi, who were probably the best defenders for Manchester City once upon a time.
Laporte's name doesn't induce the same thrill as it does for Virgil Van Dijk, Koulibaly or Sergio Ramos, but he is one of the best in business, currently.
He, alongside John Stones, have taken up the centre back positions under Pep. Stones and Laporte have formed a robust partnership, and they have conceded just 10 goals in the Premier League this term.
Also, Aymeric Laporte is the player with the most passes this season in the PL, and now you know why he's the chosen one for Pep Guardiola, whose game depends on only one thing; passing.
