EPL’s Most Under-Rated XI
By Ben Church
With so much money being spent in the Premier League today, those who don’t attract large transfer fees tend to slip under the radar. Here we pick a starting XI consisting of the most talented but underrated players in the Premier League…
Goalkeeper- Jack Butland
The young English goalkeeper has a very bright future ahead of him. His move to Stoke City was a sign of real progress and shows the shot-stopper has his feet firmly on the ground. After ignoring many of the big clubs, Butland has now established himself as Stoke’s number one after Asmir Begovic’s departure to Chelsea. With three clean sheets already this season, the former Birmingham man is really beginning to develop. His recent performance against Newcastle shows just how far Butland can go.
Left-Back- Aaron Cresswell
Another youngster who turned down the bright lights of big clubs is left-back Aaron Creswell. His move from Ipswich to West Ham was an astute one with the young defender already establishing himself as a consistent starter. His ability to defend is almost as impressive as his ability to attack and he is very dangerous from dead-ball situations. He has created a total of 12 chances for West Ham this season and is part of why the Hammers are doing so well.
Center Back- Chris Smalling
The Manchester United center-back has come under some intense scrutiny since Sir Alex left the club. Many people didn’t deem him good enough for such a club but he is beginning to prove those people wrong. Chris Smalling has certainly done his fair share of hard work to get where he is now. He was plying his trade in non-league football before being spotted by Fulham. He is now a solid starter for Manchester United and is already making an impression on the national team. Smalling has been an unlikely saviour for Manchester United this season.
Center Back- Mamadou Sakho
Another defender who has had to put up with his share of critics is former PSG man Sakho. His time at Liverpool under Rodgers was not a healthy one and he was assigned a place on the bench more often than not. However, since the arrival of Klopp, the French International has thrived and become somewhat of a cult hero in Merseyside. His performance against Spurs was immense and he looked very assured when coming up against the formidable Diego Costa at the weekend.
Right Back- Hector Bellerin
This boy has blistering pace. Dubbed the fastest player at Arsenal, beating the likes of Walcott and Sanchez, the Spaniard has made the right-back spot his own. He’s a diligent defender and more than makes up for Arsenal’s lack of speed at center-half. He is also very dangerous going forward. More often than not the full-back is seen bombing on past the midfield looking for one of Arsenal’s magicians to pick him out. According to statistics the youngster is yet to make a defensive error and has created 10 chances in the opposition’s box.
Left Midfield- Riyad Mahrez
Now, Mahrez’s inclusion in this team is somewhat debatable with the Algerian attracting the attention of Europe’s top clubs but an argument can be made that until then, he is still underrated. Leicester City have been on fire since the first whistle and Mahrez has certainly played his part. Scoring 7 and assisting 5, the winger has scared the life out of opposition defences. This hasn’t gone unnoticed with giants such as Barcelona and Manchester United being linked with the midfielder.
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Center Midfield- Wes Hoolahan
A personal favourite of mine, the Irish magician Wes Hoolahan deserves his place in this team. His ability to find space in between the lines is not only impressive but very effective. For some reason he doesn’t always start for Norwich but when he does, he offers something very special. He is certainly good enough for the Premier League and with the likes of Joe Allen making the step up to the big clubs, Wes must be wandering why he is being overlooked. Truly underestimated, the Norwich midfielder has already provided 5 assists this season and scored one goal.
Center Midfield- Dimitri Payet
At 28 years old, I find it hard to believe Payet is only now creating waves in European football. The French International has been a true revelation at Upton Park and is one of the main reasons the club is doing so well. He has created a staggering 43 chances for his side and has scored 5. His passing accuracy is a cool 81% and his influence on the pitch is unarguable. Payet has been a very impressive signing for a club who is trying to make the step up and re-find former glory. With more singings with the same ilk as Payet, there is no reason why West Ham can’t reach Europe in the coming seasons.
Right Midfield- Matt Richie
A truly dedicated and hard-working professional, Matt Richie has stepped up into the Premier League with ease. Scoring 2 and creating 11 chances, Richie has helped Bournemouth in what is a landmark season for the club. No one gave the south-coast side a chance but if players like Richie continue to impress, the club might just survive relegation this season. His goal against Sunderland proves just what a special talent he is and with skills like that, he fully deserves his place in this team.
Striker- Odion Ighalo
The Watford striker has started the season very well and will hope to continue his good form. The Hornets have slightly over-relied on the Columbian this season, with his 7 goals and 2 assists, but the striker shows no signs of stopping. His link up play with club captain Troy Deeney has been a revelation. In fact Deeney is unlucky not to win a place in this starting XI himself.
Striker-Bafetimbi Gomis
Gomis was very sought after before his transfer to the South Wales side but his move was somewhat overshadowed by Wilfred Bony. However since Bony departed for Man City, Gomis has certainly stepped up and has made a fantastic start to the new season. With 4 goals already, Gomis exploded into form in the first few games. Swansea haven’t performed too well recently but having a striker with such strength, pace and flair, it won’t be long until they’re causing upsets once again.
This team would be lethal in the Premier League and could give anyone a good game. Under-rated they may be but short of talent they are not.
Do you agree with these picks? Tell us if we’re wrong in the comments below!