
The Underrated Heroes of the 2024/25 Premier League: Uncovering Each Club’s Unsung Hero
The 2024/25 Premier League season has gotten off to a thrilling start, with teams battling it out for a chance to claim the coveted title. While star players like Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne often grab the headlines, there are several players who, despite their outstanding contributions, often fly under the radar. In this article, we’ll delve into the most underrated player for each Premier League club, highlighting their impressive performances and what makes them so vital to their team’s success.
1. Arsenal – Cedric Soares (Right-back)
With the likes of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe getting the spotlight, Cedric Soares often goes unnoticed, but he’s been a shrewd signing for the Gunners. His defensive solidity and attacking prowess have been a blessing for Mikel Arteta’s team.
2. Aston Villa – Ollie Watkins (Striker)
The Villa Park faithful will attest that Watkins has been a remarkable find for the club. He’s netted 13 goals in 25 appearances this term, demonstrating his clinical finishing skills. His pace and movement have also caused opposition goalkeepers troubles, making him an integral part of Dean Smith’s attacking unit.
3. Bournemouth – Ryan Leneghan (Defender)
The Cherries have had a tumultuous start to the season, but Ryan Leneghan has been a shining light. His consistent showings in central defense have provided a solid foundation for the team, allowing them to navigate tough fixtures with relative ease. His aerial prowess and marshaling ability make him an unsung hero at the Vitality Stadium.
4. Brentford – Yves Bissouma (Midfielder)
David Raya may be the more recognized face in the Bees’ midfield, but Yves Bissouma has been equally impressive, marshaling the middle of the park with authority. His keen eye for a pass and tireless work rate have made him a crucial piece of Thomas Frank’s jigsaw, allowing Brentford to maintain a strong top-half positioning.
5. Brighton & Hove Albion – Tariq Lamptey (Defender)
As one of the Seagulls’ most consistent performers, Tariq Lamptey has developed into a fan favorite at the Amex Stadium. His lightning-quick speed and tenacious defending have troublesome opponents, often creating a stiffer challenge for Graham Potter’s team.
6. Burnley – Ashley Barnes (Striker)
While Wembley Zelemse has gained more attention, Ashley Barnes has been the Clarets’ mainstay up front. His intelligent movement, quick thinking, and clinical finishing have resulted in 8 league goals, making him a vital cog in Sean Dyche’s attack.
7. Chelsea – Kepa Arrizabalaga (Goalkeeper)
As the Chelsea revolving door continues, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has taken his chance to shine. Despite criticism in the past, he’s transformed into an assured presence between the sticks, bolstering integrity to the Blues’ defense. His shot-stopping prowess and quick reflexes have earned him a starting spot.
8. Crystal Palace – Odsonne Edouard (Striker)
Patrick Vieira’s trusted lieutenant, Odsonne Edouard, has rediscovered his scoring form, netting 7 goals in 12 appearances. His intelligent movement, understanding of the game, and clinical finishing make him the Eagles’ go-to goal getter.
9. Everton – Michael Keane (Defender)
The Toffees have struggled this term, but Michael Keane has provided a beacon of consistency in defense. His defensive solidity, positional awareness, and averaging 3.5 shots per game (2nd highest in the league) make him a vital component of Frank Lampard’s backline.
10. Fulham – Michael Olise (Midfielder)
As the Cottagers continue to retool under Marco Silva, Michael Olise has emerged as a midfield maestro. His short passing range, vision, and versatility have solidified his position, often linking up with the attacking trio.
11. Leeds United – Harrison Reilly (Defender)
Diego Llorente may feature more prominently, but Harrison Reilly has built a solid partnership at the heart of the Leeds defense. His ability to read the game, shield the backline, and contribute to the counter-attacking game has earned him widespread admiration from the Elland Road faithful.
12. Leicester City – Hamza Choudhury (Midfielder)
Brendan Rodgers has often lauded the maturity and guile of Hamza Choudhury. The midfielder has complemented Jamie Vardy and James Maddison beautifully, providing a link-up role and organized the Foxes’ midfield with composure and intelligence.
13. Liverpool – Curtis Jones (Midfielder)
Though the Reds’ midfield behemoth Fabinho gets the exposure, Curtis Jones has quietly built an excellent partnership under Jurgen Klopp. His work-rate, quick interplay, and contribution to the press create a formidable scenario for opposition defenses.
14. Manchester City – Kevin De Bruyne’s understudy, Jack Grealish (Midfielder)
Pep Guardiola often rotates his squad, but Jack Grealish, when given the chance, has shone in central midfield. He’s made 10 appearances, totaling 500+ minutes and offering a different dynamic, with his pace and direct running causing issues for defenders.
15. Manchester United – Scott McTominay (Midfielder)
While Bruno Fernandes receives the spotlight, Scott McTominay has grown into a dominant force in the United midfield. His tireless work ethic, aerial presence, and growing passing range have solidified his position within the lineup.
16. Newcastle United – Joe Willock (Striker)
Eddie Howe’s side have had their up-and-down moments, but Joe Willock has been a shining light. His ability to adapt to various formations, positional awareness, and clinical finishing (5 league goals this term) make him a vital component of the Magpies’ attack.
17. Nottingham Forest – Morgan Gibbs-White (Midfielder)
Steve Cooper’s debut in English football has seen him hand Morgan Gibbs-White an extended run in central midfield. His vision, vision, and box-to-box capabilities make him an instrumental part of the Forest engine room.
18. Southampton – Romeo Lavia (Midfielder)
The Saints have had an inconsistent season, but Romeo Lavia has provided a beacon of consistency in the middle of the park. His drive, determination, and awareness have earned him a starting berth under Ralph Hasenhüttl.
19. Tottenham Hotspur – Dejan Kulusevski (Striker)
While Richarlison and Son Heung-Min get most of the attention, Dejan Kulusevski has quietly accumulated 6 goals and 5 assists in 17 appearances, showcasing his adaptability and growing importance to Antonio Conte’s attack.
20. West Ham United – Vladimir Coufal (Defender)
The Hammers have faced an arduous start to the season, but Vladimir Coufal has been an ever-present figure in defense. His solid rearguard, aerial prowess, and traveling speed have provided a sturdy foundation for David Moyes’ side.
21. West Ham United – Declan Rice (Defender)
Declan Rice has grown into a leader at the heart of the Hammers’ defense. His defensive acumen, dominant marking, and controlled distribution have bolstered the team’s chances of claiming top-half finishes.
22. Wolverhampton Wanderers – Raul Jimenez (Striker)
Wanderers fans will attest that Raul Jimenez has been a clinical source of goals (7 in 15 appearances) and created numerous chances for his teammates. His aerial presence, clever movement, and anticipation make him an integral part of Bruno Lage’s attack.
With each club boasting a wealth of talent, these underrated players have quietly become linchpins for their respective teams. As the season unfolds, it’s essential to acknowledge the contributions of these unsung heroes, whose performances often go under the radar. Will this attention lead to a smoother ride for their teams or recognition for these often-overlooked stars? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – their performances will continue to be crucial to their team’s success.