The Most Underrated XI Of The Premier League Era

David Tully

3 years ago

Categories: Galleries, West Ham United News

Tags: Arsenal, aston villa, Chelsea, Everton, Leeds United, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Sheffield United, Southampton, Spurs, West Ham, Wolves

After looking at the most underrated players in each position during the Premier League era, today we will put together our most underrated eleven.

The players on this list have not necessarily been completely overlooked for their achievements but they are rarely cited as the best players in their position, despite establishing themselves at top-flight teams.

Many of the stars we have mentioned have won multiple trophies in their careers and yet, still, they are not as widely appreciated as they should be considering their ability.

Press the next page as we go through our starting eleven for the most underrated players in Premier League history.

GK – Brad Friedel

The American did initially struggle when he first moved to England and it was only when he left Liverpool for Blackburn did his career begin to flourish.

Eight years at Ewood Park, as well as shorter stints at Aston Villa and Tottenham, showed that Friedel was a top-class keeper who pulled off many impressive saves. Yet, he was never given a chance to perform at the highest level.

RB – Pablo Zabaleta

Although his time at West Ham won’t be remembered that fondly, he was superb at his previous club Manchester City where he won two league titles.

Zabaleta actually arrived at City just before the Sheikh Mansour era began, but he stayed for nine years, making a reputation for himself as a no-nonsense fullback who was also capable of getting forward.

CB – Kolo Toure

The Ivorian was part of the “Invincibles” Arsenal team that went the season unbeaten and, considering he played regularly at the heart of the Gunners’ defence, it means he was more responsible than most for that remarkable achievement.

Toure also won two League titles as well as making 400 plus appearances for Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool. Even so, his defensive capabilities were never rated as highly as other centre-backs at the time.

CB – Sami Hyypia

Liverpool spent just £2.6m on the Finnish international, but he went on to win the Champions League, the UEFA Cup, two UEFA Super Cups, two FA Cups, two League Cups and two Community Shields during his spell at Anfield.

“Big Sami” was a towering figure at the back for the Reds, but away from Merseyside, his reputation is hardly up there with the likes of Jaap Stam, Rio Ferdinand or John Terry.

LB – Denis Irwin

The Republic of Ireland international lacked the X-Factor that some of his teammates had in that 90s United team, but he was a reliable performer for manager Alex Ferguson.

During his 12 seasons at Old Trafford, Irwin picked up no less seven Premier League winners medals; quite some going.

CM – Mark Noble

The fact that “Mr West Ham” hasn’t had an England cap despite making over 500 appearances for the Hammers in the last 16 years tells you all you need to know. His reputation away from the East End isn’t as high as it should be.

Noble may be sitting on the bench more often these days, but his past record suggests he deserves to be given more credit for his career.

CM – Gareth Barry

With the likes of Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Michael Carrick playing at the same time, Barry was never given as much recognition as those other high profile English midfielders.

Even so, Barry holds the record for most appearances by any Premier League player, making his reputation during spells at Aston Villa, Manchester City and Everton.

AM – Aaron Ramsey

The Welshman was not always a fan favourite at the Gunners, despite being highly rated by both his managers, Arsene Wenger and Unai Emery, during his time at the Emirates.

Ramsey was even allowed to leave the Gunners on a free transfer after the club withdrew a contract offer to him. Considering he averaged a goal or assist every 2.85 games, they would desperately love to have his creativity in the team now.

RW – James Milner

The Yorkshireman made his debut for his hometown club Leeds when he was 16 years of age, and he is still going strong at 34. He has always had great fitness levels and the ability to adapt to any position on the pitch.

However, Milner’s ability on the ball is underrated and, combined with his leadership skills, he played key roles in both Manchester City and Liverpool winning Premier League titles.

LW – Damien Duff

It is easy to forget that the Irishman played a massive role in Chelsea’s first Premier League title but he was in the form of his life during his first couple of seasons at Stamford Bridge.

Duff’s career did dip somewhat after that but he scored 54 goals in 392 appearances in the Premier League; certainly a decent return.

ST – Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink

The Dutch striker is often overlooked by those ranking the best strikers of the Premier League era, but he won two golden boots; one of only seven players to do so.

Hasselbaink’s lack of trophies has definitely played a part in his lack of recognition. If he had been a bit younger, he could have been part of the Roman Abramovich era at Chelsea, where he could have won a few more titles.