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It is true that not all footballers get the respect they deserve. Unless your name is Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, there's always a likelihood that your best efforts might go unnoticed.
It isn't a big issue for many players because they manage to attract attention for their exploits. The likes of Mohamed Salah, Kylian Mbappe, Robert Lewandowski and Karim Benzema are players who belong to this category.
At the other end of the spectrum is another group of players who, despite incredible performances for club and country, rarely get all the plaudits they deserve. These are players who have put up commendable displays over the last few months, but their efforts largeyl go below the radar.
On that note, here's a look at five of the most underrated players in the game at the moment:
#5 Lucas Hernandez
Bayern Munich defender Lucas Hernandez is, without doubt, one of the most underrated players in the game right now.
The Frenchman has been a huge presence at the heart of defence for the Bavarians and the French national team for the last few years.
Hernandez has enjoyed a highly successful career so far, winning the FIFA World Cup, the Champions League, the Bundesliga and many other honours. He recently added the UEFA Nations League to his cabinet, playing a decent role in France's triumph in the competition this summer.
The 25-year-old has entered the season on a brilliant note, putting up laudable displays in each of his 12 appearances for Bayern Munich thus far. Nevertheless, it doesn't look like he gets much attention for his exploits.
#4 Andreas Christensen
The Chelsea centre-back has been a huge force to be reckoned with since the beginning of the campaign. Andreas Christensen appears to be a man reborn under Thomas Tuchel. He has become one of the most reliable options for the Blues at the heart of their defence.
So far this season, the Dane has made 13 appearances for the Premier League giants across competitions, recording one goal to his name. However, he remains an unpopular figure even among Chelsea fans. It remains to be seen if that changes anytime soon.
#3 Juan Cuadrado
Juventus defender Juan Cuadrado is also one of the most underrated players in the game right now. The Colombian is one of the pioneers leading the Bianconeri's revival charge this season, producing a string of spectacular performances.
Cuadrado's versatility has been of great help for the Serie A giants. Apart from his natural position on the right side of defence, the 33-year-old has also been deployed as a winger up front and a right-wing midfielder.
So far, the former Chelsea defender has made 13 appearances in Bianconeri colours this season, recording two goals. That includes his strike for Juventus against Fiorentina last weekend, inspiring the Old Lady to a 1-0 victory and securing all three points from the game.
#2 Domenico Berardi
Domenico Berardi continues to be the difference-maker for Sassuolo up front. However, it's as if no one notices his spectacular performances for the Serie A outfit.
The attacker has had a promising start to his current campaign, recording five goals and three assists in ten appearances across competitions. Last season, the 27-year-old racked up 17 goals and eight assists across competitions.
Berardi has stepped up in big games on multiple occasions this season. He scored against the likes of Inter Milan and Atalanta recently, and also bagged assists against Juventus and AS Roma.
Unfortunately, the attacker rarely gets the plaudits he deserves for his incredible exploits in front of goal. It remains to be seen if that changes anytime soon.
#1 Christopher Nkunku
Christopher Nkunku was the star of the show as RB Leipzig got the better of Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga last weekend. The attacking midfielder scored one and assisted another to inspire his team to a 2-1 win.
That was just another day in the office for the 23-year-old. The Frenchman has been unstoppable over the last few weeks, producing decisive performances across domestic and continental competitions.
Nkunku has recorded 11 goals and seven assists in 17 appearances for RB Leipzig across competitions this season. Considering the rate at which he's scoring and setting up goals, it remains to be seen if he continues that till the end of the season.
