The Most Underrated Premier League Players This Season
The sixth man. The unsung hero. No matter what you call them, in every sport around the world, there are those who play at the highest of levels, but receive no credit for their work.
These Premier League players are all playing with the same quality as some of the league’s best. Whether it be the club they play for, the quality of those around them, or players that share their role for another squad, they aren’t receiving the praise they deserve.
Charlie Austin – Forward – Queens Park Rangers
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At 25-years-old, Charlie Austin can only improve. He currently sits third in the Premier League for goals scored. Austin is above notable stars such as Manchester City target Wilfried Bony, Wayne Rooney and Alexis Sanchez. The Englishman has accounted for more than half of QPR’s total goal tally.
However, even sitting third in the goals scored list and sixth in the Premier League’s player performance index, Austin has received no recognition from any media outlets. The goal tally should not be surprising for Austin. Prior to joining QPR, Austin netted 25 goals in 37 matches for Burnley.
He scored 17 in his debut season last year for QPR and currently sits as one of Harry Redknapp’s most talented players on the entire QPR roster. He has no buzz surrounding him — surprisingly. No transfer news, no awards, no applause at all outside of QPR supporters. With his great goal-scoring ability this season, Austin is the most underrated Premier League player.
Fraser Forster – Goalkeeper – Southampton
The English international goalkeeper, Fraser Forster joined Southampton following five seasons as the starting goalkeeper for Scottish giants, Celtic. Forster has served as one of the English Backup goalkeepers since 2012, and appears ready to challenge Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart for the starting job.
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No matter how well Forster plays though, he is never mentioned by the English media — especially when it comes to replacing Joe Hart. Even with a league leading 9 shutouts this season, no real attention has been paid to Forster. With Southampton making an impossible top four finish look more and more likely every match, Forster has yet to receive credit for his hard work.
Even with the top class defense in front of him at Southampton, the Englishman has won the match more than a few times for the Saints. However, with every passing match, Forster seems to improve, even without the media spotlight being on him for his superb work. He could one day be the starter for the England national team, it’s time he receives the credit he has earned.
Gylfi Sigurdsson – Midfielder – Swansea City
Second in the Premier League for assists and 14th on the league’s player performance index, Gylfi Sigurdsson is one of the most underrated players this season. The Icelandic international currently has eight assists to go along with his four goals this term.
The former Tottenham man has led Swansea City to its current top half standing. With half a season yet to be played, it is possible that the Swans could make a run at European Cup places. If Swansea are to make that run though, it will depend on the consistency of Sigurdsson and his ability to lead the side.
If the Iceland native can continue his current form, not only will Swansea City make a run at European Cup competition, but Sigurdsson will leave his mark as one of the Premier League’s most underrated players.