Five most underrated players in Premier League this season

Five most underrated players in Premier League this season

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The likes of Sergio Aguero, Diego Costa and Alexis Sanchez have been among the news with their goal scoring exploits this season, but there are few others who have been silently contributing to their team's success. Here are the underrated players in the Premier League this season.

We are heading in the 18th week of the premier league. As the premier league progresses bit by bit, there has been some splendid performances from a host of world-class players exhibiting their talent and earning praise and plaudits from managers, pundits, and fans.

Everyone knows that Deigo Costa, Alexis Sanchez, Sergio Aguero, Kevin De Bruyne have been in sublime form this season. However, invariably there have been some players who have flown under the radar despite putting in strong performances consistently. These are the players who have unfailingly delivered this season, but never got their share of the limelight.

James Milner (Liverpool)

Perhaps, the Englishman could be termed as a synonym for the word underrated. Milner was signed on a free transfer from Manchester City and quickly became a prominent member of the Liverpool squad. The midfielder has registered impressive 16 assists last season, 4 more than United's big-money purchase--Paul Pogba.

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Left-back was the most heated topic for the Liverpool fans after the summer transfer window closed as Klopp surprised everyone by not purchasing one. However unfamiliar he was with the role at the beginning, Milner is proving to be the Reds' answer in the left-back position by settling in perfectly and giving Liverpool the much needed defensive solidity in that position. Despite having the limitations of being right-footed, the industrious Englishman’s ability to turn defence into attack and tracking back makes it look like he was always playing in that position.

Victor Moses (Chelsea)

Moses made his Premier League debut in 2008 as an 18-year old with Crystal Palace and earned a move to Wigan in 2010. After a string of impressive performances with Wigan, the Nigerian signed for the Premier League giants, Chelsea in 2012. The move didn't quite turn up for him as he was found as surplus in the squad and was forced for a loan move to Liverpool, Stoke City and West Ham in the next three seasons. He returned from a loan move from West Ham with an uncertain future. 

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The winger has been handed a new role of a wing back under new manager Antonio Conte. Since then, the 26-year old hasn't looked back and put on an awe-inspiring series of performances.  He perfectly fits into Conte's tactical system as it demands the wingbacks to have a high work rate. He is now an influential member of the team. Not to forget his winner against Tottenham.

Jonny Evans (West Brom)

The Irishman spent years at Manchester mostly as a substitute, filling in space whenever Rio Ferdinand or Nemanja Vidic were injured. However, he made an immediate impact after joining West Brom. His calming presence at the back along with his versatility (played as a centre-back, left-back and defensive midfielder after joining the Baggies) has massively improved Tony Pulis' side. 

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The Ireland international has a calming influence on the game, has an excellent positional sense and rarely gives the ball away. Also, he is a real goal threat while taking corners. The former Manchester United academy graduate deservingly won the West Brom’s Player of the Season last season.The Baggies have exceeded their expectation this season so far and much credits go to their captain Jonny Evans.

Jermain Defoe (Sunderland)

The former Tottenham man has loads of Premier League experience and though the man is not an exceptional player, but is someone who always gets the work done. The Sunderland forward scored an impressive 15 goals last season, has already scored 8 goals this season but rarely gets mentioned among the top flight elite strikers. Not to forget he is one of the only 20 players to score a century of goals in the Premier League. Despite the stately number behind his name, the forward was overlooked in England’s squad for Euro 2016.

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He was instrumental in saving the Black Cats from relegation last season. This season looks no different for Sunderland and Defoe is set to play a pivotal role if there is any chance for them to avoid relegation.

Ben Gibson (Middlesbrough)

The centre-back has been a key figure in the Middlesbrough side after promotion this season. Although just 23 years old, the Englishman has been enjoying a fine start to his Premier League life. Middlesbrough's defensive record has been incredible this season, considering the fact that they are a newly-promoted side. They have let in just 19 goals in 17 matches so far, less than the likes of Liverpool and Man City.

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Gibson along with Arsenal loanee Calum Chambers has formed a strong backline for Boro. His impressive run saw him earning his first England call-up in September. It was also reported that the young defender is also on Chelsea’s radar as speculation builds up over his future. Looks like it’s only going to get better for the young centre-back as the season progresses.

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