Unsurprisingly, with the game’s popularity, there are numerous stars who bring people on the same page as well as divide opinion. The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are the best footballers of this generation while also competing in a short list to be crowned the best ever to step onto a football field.
Additionally, the likes of Hazard, Salah, Neymar and Modric have also become household names over the past few years.
This article intends to honour such stars who are underrated and don’t cause the average football fan to jump out of his seat yet are invaluable to their respective teams.
Without further ado, here are the 5 most underrated players on the planet:
#5 Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)
The Spaniard started his professional career with Osasuna in Spain. After three impressive seasons in Spain, he made the switch to Marseille, where he won four trophies.
Azpilicueta is a very versatile defender who can play anywhere across the back line. Having initially started out as a Right Back, he switched to the other flank when Jose required him to perform the role. He displayed another facet to his game when he slotted in seamlessly into Conte’s three-man defence as the right-sided centre back.
Moreover, Cesar has never enjoyed a ‘star’ status. Though he seems a person who enjoys working in the background, rather than being at the forefront, he surely deserves a mention in our list.
#4 Nacho Fernandez (Real Madrid)
The Spaniard has been Real Madrid’s fall guy for a few years now. Whenever the team needs extra protection in defence, Nacho is the man they call upon. On numerous occasions, Nacho has filled in for Marcelo while he has also played on the right side of the defence.
Nowadays, players who are comfortable at playing across the back line are rare. Hence, Nacho not getting the credit he deserves surely baffles many. However, he need not worry as this article gives him the credit he deserves and he makes it to our list as the 4th most underrated player in the world.
#3 James Milner (Liverpool)
Clubs started to take notice of Milner after his tenacious displays at Newcastle and Aston Villa. However, his adaptability came to the fore when he moved to Manchester City. He played a vital role in City’s Premier League triumphs.
To supplement this, Milner can play in a variety of positions. He can play at fullback, central midfield and also on the wings. These attributes make Milner a rare commodity and a commodity Liverpool are fortunate to have.
Hence, he makes it onto our list at No.3.
#2 Mateo Kovacic (Chelsea)
Kovacic shot to prominence with astounding displays for Inter Milan. However, he hasn’t been able to showcase his talents on a regular basis, thus leading to people not recognising his abilities enough.
However, all that could be about to change and he has made a spectacular start to his Chelsea career. Though he could turn into the name on everyone’s lips by the end of 2020, for now, he is still one of the most underrated players on the planet.
Thus, he takes the runner-up spot in our list.
#1 Saul Niguez (Atletico Madrid)
Blessed with the ability to come up with the spectacular, he has often slipped under the radar for his country as well as his club. Despite his technical prowess, Saul is willing to put in the hard yards and carries out his fair share of defensive duties. At present, he is one of the most complete Spanish midfielders.
For a midfielder like Saul, he should be mentioned in the same breath as the best in the business. Though he is revered by his club, his recognition isn’t worldwide and he isn’t looked upon as the world-beater that he is.
