Five of the Premier League’s most underrated players today

Arguably the best domestic competition around, the Premier League’s product is adored by lovers of the beautiful game. From sides packed full of world-class professionals, such as Manchester City, to relative minnows filled with promising talents, such as Brighton, it’s a league that offers plenty of entertainment. Additionally, although the biggest players hog the headlines, there are also some underrated professionals aiming to grow in terms of their reputation. 

While every Erling Haaland strike is fawned over and Bukayo Saka’s assists are raved about, there are some consistent performers who perhaps aren’t given the credit they deserve. After all, when assessing the various forms of media that football lovers consume, the main focus of it tends to revolve around the title race, with some supporters making bold predictions and backing them up with some football betting, while content is also based around relegation battles, the highest assist-makers, and European football hopes for certain sides. Underrated players, therefore, don’t get much of a look in. 

Although these undervalued players aren’t subjected to the same type of coverage as the likes of Mohamed Salah receive, fans of their respective clubs undoubtedly know their worth. These ever-present performers are putting in solid displays on a weekly basis and going quietly under the radar as an integral part of a specific side’s approach. 

So, with England’s top-flight being populated with some seriously underrated professionals, let’s salute five of them below. 

Pape Matar Sarr - Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham’s huge improvement under Ange Postecoglou has been featured by news outlets and on YouTube channels a lot, but while the likes of Son Heung-min and James Maddison tend to be mentioned alongside the Australian boss, players like Pape Matar Sarr have also more than played their part. A reliable performer who enables Tottenham to play the Ange-Ball style of football that so many fans and experts alike have raved about, Sarr is an important player in the middle of the park. A tidy midfielder, he can do the ugly side of the game well, he is also strong in and out of possession, and he has the energy required to ensure Tottenham’s midfield doesn’t get overrun. A Senegal international with a seemingly bright future ahead of him, the 21-year-old is definitely one to watch as Tottenham continue to evolve under Postecoglou. 

Dominic Solanke - Bournemouth 

As one of the Premier League’s top scorers this season, there is an argument to suggest that fans of football are fully aware of Dominic Solanke’s input, although he certainly doesn’t command the same type of coverage as other leading goal-getters receive. Perhaps due to the fact that he plays for one of the league's smallest clubs, the Cherries’ revival under Andoni Iraola this season has been nothing short of remarkable. A team many supporters tipped for relegation, Solanke’s output has helped propel the club up the table and eased any fears of relegation in the process. Coming through the ranks at Chelsea and turning out for the likes of Liverpool, Solanke’s ability has never really been in doubt, but the 26-year-old failed to get sufficient game time in order to establish himself as a Premier League player. Now, with regular minutes on offer at Bournemouth, Solanke is realising the potential that so many managers have seen in him, including Jurgen Klopp. As one of the most sought-after strikers in the entire division, the football fraternity are finally seeing the very best of Dominic Solanke. 

Gabriel - Arsenal 

A player the vast majority of Gunners fans rate highly, Gabriel’s central defensive partnership with William Saliba is arguably the finest in the Premier League at the moment. Saliba has received most of the plaudits out of the two, though, but the former Lille man and current Brazil international is a rock at the back alongside Arsenal’s talented Frenchman. While Gabriel is left in the shadows at times, his statistics tend to showcase his worth. For example, in late December he actually had a better average match rating than 

Saliba’s, coming in at 6.83. Additionally, Gabriel also topped the list for interceptions and tackles. Statistics aside, he’s also a defensive stalwart who passes the eye test, with his solid all-round performances making him one of the competition’s finest defenders. 

Edson Álvarez - West Ham United

Sure, Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus tend to wow supporters with their match-winning performances for West Ham United, but Edson Álvarez is the glue of David Moyes’ Hammers side. A player who makes everything click, the summer arrival from Dutch giants Ajax has been an immaculate performer for the club and has shown his ability on the ball and in the tackle throughout the season. A player who protects the defence and covers almost every blade of grass; when Álvarez has been absent for the Hammers, it has been noticeable. Such is the Mexican’s impact, he’s already being linked with a move away from the club in the summer, although West Ham’s hierarchy will be keen to keep hold of a player who is impressing nearly every week. 

Alex Iwobi - Fulham

Whether it’s due to injuries or the occasional loss of form, Alex Iwobi’s career hasn’t gone as smoothly as he would have hoped after departing Arsenal with plenty of promise. Now, aged 27, his struggles at Everton appear to have created a more rounded and professional performer, with Fulham now reaping the rewards in the process. The London side’s excellent season has gone relatively under the radar this campaign, with Iwobi steadily rebuilding his reputation and starring in an array of games. The Cottagers paid £22 million to acquire his services and their investment appears to have been worth every penny, particularly as Iwobi continues to showcase his composure on the ball, his skill in tight areas, and his ability to pop up with the occasional match-winning strike. When assessing Fulham’s best players this season, Iwobi has been right up there.