Football is a melting pot of talented players, struggling to etch their name and make their mark in the game. From club to international football, the subtle but glaring competition between players is always obvious.
Amid the jumble and scramble for recognition, some players usually gets unnoticed and left behind from the fame hall not because they aren’t good enough but just can’t be reached by narrow binoculars of pundits.
Here is a list of some of the most underrated footballers in 2023:
Bernd Leno (Fulham): The German goalkeeper had an outstanding season in his debut campaign at Fulham, leading the league in goals prevented and averaging a save percentage of 73.8. He is also a capable ball-playing goalkeeper, attempting the third most passes in the league.
Rodrigo Hernández (Manchester City): The Spanish midfielder is a key cog in Pep Guardiola’s side, but his contributions often go unnoticed. He is a tireless worker who is excellent at both defending and attacking. He also has a keen eye for goal, scoring seven times in the Premier League last season.
Tomas Soucek (West Ham): The Czech midfielder is one of West Ham’s most productive players, contributing both goals and assists. He is also a dominant aerial presence and a tenacious tackler. He finished as West Ham’s joint top scorer last season with 10 goals.
Anastasios Douvikas (FC Utrecht): The Greek striker won the Eredivisie Golden Boot last season with 19 goals in 34 appearances. He is a powerful and clinical finisher, and he is also good at linking up with his teammates.
James Tarkowski (Everton): The English centre-back is one of the most consistent defenders in the Premier League. He is strong and powerful in the air, and he is also good at reading the game. He was a key player for Everton last season, helping them to finish in the top half of the table.
Other underrated footballers in 2023 include:
- Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal)
- Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)
- Federico Chiesa (Juventus)
- Ricardo Pereira (Leicester City)
- Ethan Pinnock (Brentford)
These players are all highly skilled and talented, but they don’t always get the recognition they deserve. They are all important members of their respective teams, and they play a vital role in their success.
