The Premier League’s Most Underrated Players

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9 Sept 2024

The Premier League is widely recognized for its superstars, with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Kevin De Bruyne, and Harry Kane consistently dominating headlines. However, beneath the surface lies a cadre of exceptionally talented players whose contributions often go unnoticed.

These players are the unsung heroes of their teams, driving their clubs forward without receiving the acclaim they truly deserve.

This article shines a spotlight on some of the Premier League’s most underrated players, each of whom has made a significant impact in the 2023/24 season.

Douglas Luiz – Aston Villa

Douglas Luiz has been a cornerstone of Aston Villa's success, particularly in their pursuit of a UEFA Champions League spot before joining Juventus. While Ollie Watkins often grabs the headlines for his goal-scoring feats, it is Luiz who has been the engine in the midfield, combining defensive solidity with attacking prowess.

Luiz has managed to score nine goals and provide five assists from a deep-lying position, a remarkable achievement for a player in his role.

What sets Luiz apart is his consistency and versatility. Whether it's breaking up play, dictating the tempo, or making late runs into the box, he has proven to be indispensable for Aston Villa. His pass completion rate of 89.6% further underscores his importance, especially when compared to other high-profile midfielders like Declan Rice.

Despite these contributions, Luiz often finds himself overshadowed by more glamorous names, making him one of the most underrated players in the league.

Pascal Gross – Brighton & Hove Albion

Pascal Gross is another midfielder whose work often goes underappreciated. Gross has been a vital cog in Brighton’s midfield, contributing both defensively and offensively. As of the March international break in the 2023/24 season, he led the league in assists with ten, while also chipping in with four goals.

These numbers are not only impressive but also highlight his dual role as both creator and finisher.

Gross’s ability to influence the game from deep positions makes him a unique asset. His vision and passing range have been pivotal in Brighton's attacking play, yet he seldom receives the recognition afforded to more high-profile playmakers. His all-around contributions are crucial to Brighton's success, making him one of the Premier League's most underrated talents.

Leon Bailey – Aston Villa

Leon Bailey has quietly become one of the Premier League’s most effective wingers. Known for his pace and dribbling ability, Bailey has added a new dimension to Aston Villa's attack. What makes him particularly dangerous is his unpredictability; defenders can no longer assume he will always cut inside on his favored left foot, as he has developed the ability to drive past them on the outside and deliver crosses with his right foot.

Bailey has also been extremely effective in ball-carrying situations, leading to crucial goals and assists. His partnership with Ollie Watkins has been particularly fruitful, with the duo creating several goals for each other. Despite these impressive statistics, Bailey’s contributions often go unnoticed in the shadow of more established stars, cementing his status as an underrated player.

Ezri Konsa – Aston Villa

Ezri Konsa has been a rock at the back for Aston Villa, displaying a level of consistency that has gone largely unrecognized. Starting in 19 of Aston Villa's 20 games, Konsa has excelled both as a center-back and occasionally as a right-back. His defensive stats are impressive: he averages nearly two tackles per game with an 85.7% success rate, and only one player has managed to dribble past him in the games he has played.

Konsa's ability to read the game, coupled with his physicality and composure, makes him one of the most reliable defenders in the league. His performances have been so consistent that they earned him a call-up to the England national team, yet his name is rarely mentioned among the Premier League's elite defenders. This lack of recognition makes Konsa one of the most underrated players in the league(

Conclusion

The Premier League is home to some of the most talented footballers in the world, but not all of them receive the recognition they deserve. Players like Douglas Luiz, Pascal Gross, Leon Bailey, and Ezri Konsa have proven to be indispensable for their teams, delivering performances that rival those of the league's biggest stars. Their contributions, while often overlooked, are crucial to their clubs' successes. As fans and analysts, it’s important to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of these underrated players who make the Premier League the competitive and exciting league that it is.