Premier League’s Underrated XI

The Premier League has some of the best footballers in the world, including Sanchez, Hazard, Ozil and Terry to name a few. They constantly play at a high standard and have secured a good reputation.

Today, we look at the players who constantly perform at the top level yet do not receive their fair share of praise. We surely know the Best XI of the league, but today, we look at the Underrated XI.

1. GK – Fraser Forster

The Celtic star who joined Southampton this season itself has had a terrific season, having received 14 clean sheets and made crucial saves against big teams. Notably, his performance against Chelsea was his best this season. Despite all these good performances, he has been in the shadow of David de Gea and Thibaut Courtois.

2. RB – Antonio Valencia

The winger turned right back has been vital for Louis van Gaal this season and has been a crucial part of the team. A constant threat going upfront with his pace and crossing, he has quickly settled into the defensive role and is doing the job better than most regular right backs.

3. CB – Jose Fonte

Another Southampton player in the list, he has been one of the keys to Southampton’s success. Leading the best defensive side of the league, he has been a stronghold in defense and at 30 years of age, he got a call up to the Portuguese side.

4. CB – Martin Skrtel

The Liverpool centre back has continued his form of last season and has been outstanding for Brendan Rodgers. He is one of the most important and valuable players in Liverpool, but often undervalued in the league.

5. LB – Aaron Cresswell

The young and dynamic West Ham player has had a brilliant season in the left back position and has already made a name for himself. The player has been constantly tipped for a transfer to league leaders Chelsea and other Premier League sides such as Tottenham, and this itself speaks volumes for the performances he has put in.

6. CM – Michael Carrick

The English midfielder, who was left out of the English World Cup squad, has had a tremendous season and has achieved a lot of praise from his boss Louis van Gaal and his teammates. His calmness and vision have been the key to Manchester United’s play, and his performances have rightfully bagged him the vice captain role in the team. Not only that, but he got into the English team at the back of some amazing performances.

7. CM – Ki Sung-yueng

The Swansea midfielder has been a key player for them and has formed a wonderful midfield partnership with Jonjo Shelvey. The player has been one of the most consistent performers in the league this season.

8. CM – Gylfi Sigurdsson

Another Swansea player who moved from Spurs, he has had an amazing season and has 9 league assists to his name, which is second only to Fabregas and Angel di Maria. The player has largely become the main man for Swansea, especially after the winter sale of Wilfried Bony.

9. RW – Stewart Downing

The West Ham winger has had a wonderful season and is witnessing a change of fortune after being declared surplus to Liverpool’s requirements. The player has scored 5 goals and set up 8 goals.

10. LW –  Christian Eriksen

The Dutch player, who moved from Ajax to Spurs in the summer of 2013 for a fee of 13million, has been one of the most consistent midfielders in the league. The player has been vital to Tottenham’s Europa League hopes. He has scored a total of 11 goals and has 5 assists to his name.

11. ST – Olivier Giroud

The Arsenal striker has often been criticized but this season, he has turned those haters into fans. The striker, despite being injured at the start of the season for about 3 months, has scored a total of 18 goals and has 4 assists in 28 games.

Other notables – Ron Vlaar, Fabianski, Ashley Williams, Joe Allen, Jedinak, Nacer Chadli, Danny Ings.