10 Most Underrated Players in Premier League History [Ranked]

Football is and always will be a team sport, and that concept extends to the Premier League, one of the most difficult competitions in the world. publications and the media frequently put light on goal scorers and flashy playmakers, whose names are frequently featured on the back pages of national publications.

Behind every top striker, however, are players who may be compared to glue. Those who embody the old cliché ‘being a team player’. Those who avoid the spotlight. And that is exactly what every team striving for long-term success requires above all else.

Of course, they never get the recognition they deserve, but it doesn’t make their contribution any less essential to those who bag every week and then leave a lot of records in ruins at their feet.

Although their importance is lost in the shuffle as their more prominent teammates are/were celebrated on a weekly basis, we’re here to go over the ten most underrated players in Premier League history, from Manchester United icon Michael Carrick to the forgotten Tottenham Hotspur man, Moussa Dembele.

1Denis Irwin

Man Utd, Wolves

Despite winning seven Premier League titles with Manchester United, Cork-born Denis Irwin was never accorded the same recognition as his teammates, which is a terrible injustice given his brilliance and dedication.

What distinguished the raging full-back was his amazing constancy. Between 1990 and 2002, he made over 500 appearances for the Red Devils on either side of the defensive line, curling in free kicks like they were out of style.

A consummate professional of the first order, the former Wolverhampton Wanderers player was not only versatile, but his leadership qualities, both on and off the pitch, were crucial reasons why he was such a reliable servant to managers throughout his trophy-laden career.

Denis Irwin’s Premier League statistics

Clubs

Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers

Games

328

Goals

18

Assists

25

Clean sheets.

123

Titles

7

2Michael Carrick

West Ham Utd, Tottenham, Man Utd

The type of player that England is notorious for not producing on a regular basis, Wallsend-born Carrick was a metronomic presence in the heart of Manchester United’s engine room for many years, but was frequently overshadowed by his fantastically gifted teammates.

He may have garnered the respect of Old Trafford supporters, but beyond that, the impact of his well-rounded toolkit of passing, dribbling, and tackling is frequently overlooked. He had a successful career, judging by his trophy cabinet, but it is still surrounded in mystery, including: ‘Why was he so often snubbed by England?’

Carrick was one of Europe’s most talented players in his peak, and his restricted international possibilities continue to perplex. If it weren’t for the English triad of Paul Scholes, Steven Gerrard, and Frank Lampard, his talent would undoubtedly be more recognised.

Michael Carrick’s Premier League statistics

Clubs

West Ham, Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester United

Games

481

Goals

24

Assists

40

Titles

5

3Moussa Dembele

Fulham, Tottenham

Moussa Dembele, a lanky yet elegant midfielder, holds a unique place in Premier League history. He was a one-of-a-kind operator in the middle of the park, able to carry the ball past opposing players like waxwork models.

Many fans forget about the Belgian’s time at Fulham, which lasted from 2010 to 2012, but he was a cut above the rest in west London – and, to be honest, in the capital’s north. He had incredible speed and power, as well as the technical prowess that so many players envied.

He was widely considered as one of the finest Tottenham midfielders of all time, and some fans believe he left a gaping hole in the centre of the pitch that has yet to be replaced.

Moussa Dembele’s Premier League statistics

Clubs

Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur.

Games

243

Goals

12

Assists

12

Titles

0

4Gilberto Silva

Arsenal

Gilberto Silva, a Brazilian midfielder who played alongside some of Arsenal’s greatest players during the ‘Invincibles’ era, never receives the recognition he deserves. In a team full of romantic self-expressionists, he frequently went about his business without being noticed.

Defensive acumen? Check. The legs and energy required to sniff out and sweep up any potential hazards? Check. Willingness to maraud ahead to fill gaps? Check. Fundamentally, the engine room destroyer had everything.

Silva joined to Highbury in 2002, fresh from winning the World Cup with Brazil, and quickly established himself as a major member of the Gunners’ success. Patrick Vieira, his regular midfield partner, would make headlines; Silva would save him on several occasions.

Gilberto Silva’s Premier League Statistics

Clubs

Arsenal

Games

170

Goals

17

Assists

11

Titles

1

5Park Ji-sung

Man Utd, QPR

In a world where Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney dominated headlines at Old Trafford, Park Ji-sung, a seasoned South Korean international, remained unnoticed for his unwavering dedication to Sir Alex Ferguson’s strict, serial-winning strategy.

He’d sprint where others wouldn’t; he’d tackle when his teammates ran; and he’d often avoid the spotlight for just doing what he was paid well to do. And that suited everyone, including the workhorse himself.

He was not only extremely gifted, but his ability to perform on the world’s biggest stages was a tremendous asset. Despite not having the most flashy name, his persistent commitment to the game earned him a spot as one of Fergie’s go-to men, which should not be overlooked.

Park Ji-sung’s Premier League statistics

Clubs

Manchester United and Queens Park Rangers

Games

154

Goals

19

Assists

21

Titles

4

6Andy Cole

Newcastle Utd, Man Utd, Blackburn, Fulham, Man City, Portsmouth, Sunderland

Despite being one of the most prolific attackers to ever walk foot on a Premier League pitch, Andy Cole’s name is rarely mentioned in such discussions, is it? Cole, widely regarded as one of football’s greatest journeymen, first came to prominence as a superb marksman for Newcastle United before moving to Old Trafford.