Underdogs in the Premier League: These are the players whose contributions often go unnoticed
Everybody knows the renowned players of the 2019-2020 Premier League season. Sergio Aguero, Sadio Mané, and Kevin De Bruyne are all names that come to mind when discussing the best of the best in the league. However, while the stars get all the attention, there are many players that don’t get the credit or recognition they deserve. Here is the most underrated XI of the 2019-2020 Premier League (PL) season.
Goalkeeper: Martin Dúbravka
Newcastle United’s #1 is undoubtedly one of the most underappreciated goalkeepers in the PL. Leading the league with 103 saves, his heroics in front of the net have kept Newcastle from sliding further down the standings. Despite the lackluster defense in front of him, the Slovakian has managed to keep a remarkable 7 clean sheets in 25 appearances. This stat is not impressive on paper, which has led many to overlook his impact. Dúbravka’s consistent performances and flashes of brilliance often go unnoticed, landing him in the most underrated goalkeeper spot on our list.
Left Back: Diego Rico
When thinking of left-backs in the Premier League, names that often come to mind are Andy Robertson and Benjamin Mendy. However, Diego Rico surpasses both of them defensively, with an impressive tackle success rate of 62%. A diligent worker defensively, Rico currently has the most interceptions in the league with 63. His attacking skills have also been important for his team; his accurate crosses have allowed him to chip in two assists so far this season.
Center Back: James Tarkowski
At center back, James Tarkowski of Burnley has been an absolute monster. A tenacious ball-playing center-back, he leads his team in tackles, clearances, interceptions, and aerial battles won. His consistency and no-nonsense defending make him an underrated player to look out for, with a 63% tackle success rate and zero errors leading to a goal so far this season. It is no surprise that Burnley is second in the league for clean sheets (nine) with a player like Tarkowski.
Center Back: Declan Rice
Another ball-playing center back/defensive midfielder, Declan Rice earns a spot on this list not only for his defensive skills but also for his ability to dictate the tempo of the game. Although one would expect a midfielder to keep a team functioning smoothly, Rice’s passes from the back are vital in West Ham’s possession play. He leads West Ham in tackles, interceptions, and passes with 78, 51, and 1190 respectively. His quality on and off the ball, along with his versatility and talent, makes him one of the PL’s most underrated defenders.
Right Back: Ricardo Perreira
At 3rd place in the league with 49 points, Leicester City are in amazing form. A vital part of their success is their defense. With the most tackles in the league at 106, Ricardo Perreira is a crucial part of this Leicester back four. His ability to attack is also class, notching three goals and two assists so far this season.
Defensive Midfielder: Onyinye Wilfred Ndidi
Although the back four often get the credit for strong defensive performances, the midfielder in front of them can be just as important. Shielding the defensive line and cutting out threats, Ndidi makes it on this list through his astute reading of the game. A club high of 56 interceptions shows Ndidi’s unnoticed yet imperative presence in Leicester’s squad.
Right Winger: Adama Traoré
A mix between a locomotive and a tank, Adama Traoré is one of the deadliest right-wingers in the Premier League this season. Chipping in four goals and seven assists, Adama is one of the Wolves’ most consistent attackers. His tenacity and blistering pace allow him to perform in decisive moments. Vital contributions such as two late goals to take the Wolves past the reigning champions, Manchester City, combined with his unique talent, earns him a deserving spot on this list.
Left Winger: Jack Grealish
At the young age of 24, Jack Grealish has already established himself as the best player and the captain of Aston Villa. Dominating in all offensive aspects, he leads Aston Villa in goals, assists, and passes. His seven goals and five assists this season demonstrate his talent and skill. Despite this success, he is often not given the credit he deserves because he plays for a smaller club. This earns him the Left-Winger spot on our XI.
Attacking Midfielder: James Maddison
Jamie Vardy is the man when it comes to Leicester’s attack. However, a player with an important role that is often overlooked is their 10, James Maddison. Six goals and three assists do not accurately describe his impact; his skillful runs and plays cannot be quantified. Vardy would not be widely considered the best attacker on Leicester if it weren’t for Maddison’s quality service.
Striker: Roberto Firmino
Nobody can deny that Roberto Firmino is a top player. However, when it comes to Liverpool, players like Mané, Salah, and Van Dijk take the spotlight, and Firmino doesn’t get the credit he deserves. While eight goals and seven assists are impressive stats, Firmino’s strength cannot be described in numbers. His movement off the ball to create space makes him the Premier League’s best false 9. Without Firmino, Salah and Mané would not have the same success they are enjoying now.
Striker: Danny Ings
A surprising contender for the golden boot, Danny Ings is currently third on the scoring charts with 14 goals. His goal-scoring ability has carried Southampton’s attack this season, with him scoring over 40% of Southampton’s goals. This high-level scoring put him as one of the top strikers in the league so far this season and cements his position as the most underrated attacker.
All statistics mentioned in this article can be found here.
