10 most underrated footballers in the game today

It’s not all about the big names. Calling a player underrated could be controversial, because naturally a great player is never underrated by those who follow him or his team closely. But the spotlight usually falls on the playmakers in the richer, more popular clubs, and there are always those who deserve more recognition in wider footballing circles. The list, of course, is endless and this one is by no means exhaustive.

Beñat (Atletico Bilbao)

Benat (right)

Beñat Etxebarria, the Spanish international, returned to his roots this June, leaving Real Betis for Atletico Bilbao where he had started his career. He scored 14 goals in 105 appearances for Betis, and it was his performance that propelled his team to promotion. This prolific player, who has earned the nickname “Gattuso” due to his uncanny similarity with the Italian superstar, has always been on the fringes of the La Roja and has been overlooked time and again despite his immense talent.

Strengths: Set pieces, free kicks, long shots

Abdelaziz Barrada (Al Jazira)

Abdelaziz Barrada (red)

Former Getafe midfielder Abdelaziz Barrada, who moved to Abu Dhabi football club Al Jazira this year, is best known for his brilliant crosses and exceptional dribbling. He was the star for Getafe last season, and played a major role in their upset of Real Madrid, beating Casillas in the box and reportedly attracting scouts from the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City. The 24-year-old Moroccan shone for the national side too, having appeared in fifteen games, and was impressive in the World Cup qualifiers.

Strengths: Dribbling, crosses

Francesco Lodi (Genoa FC)

Francesco Lodi

Possibly one of the best free-kick takers in the Italian Serie A, Lodi passed over interest from three of Italy’s biggest clubs, Inter Milan, Juventus and AC Milan, to move from Catania to Genoa. His brilliance in the midfield, however, has not yet earned him a call up to Cesare Prandelli’s Azzurri, even as Catania President Antonino Pulvirenti labelled him “irreplaceable”. An unselfish player with as many assists as goals, twenty-nine year Lodi will hope to make an impact with the Rossoblu this season.

Strengths: Direct free kicks, set-pieces

Bastian Oczipka (Eintracht Frankfurt)

Bastian Oczipka (Right)

The former Germany U-20 player isn’t your ordinary left-back. His offensive play and precise crosses help him create goals, and the twenty-four year old has blossomed at Frankfurt, as compared to his performances during his days at Bayer Leverkusen, where he struggled to find his form and would regularly be loaned out. He is not currently on the German national squad for reasons best known to manager Joachim Löw, but is looking to propel his team through the Europa League this year.

Strengths: Key passes, dribbling, crosses

Pedro Geromel (RCD Mallorca)

Pedro Geromel (Left)

Currently on loan to Mallorca from FC Köln, Geromel is easily one of the best Brazilian defenders today, but has somehow mostly escaped the spotlight. Voted online as 2007–08′s best player in the Portuguese League, this energetic player remains uncapped for the national team.

Strengths: Tackling, ball interception

Milan Badelj (Hamburg SV)

Milan Badelj

The former Dinamo Zagreb midfielder arrived at HSV when the club was in dire straits, and in true playmaker style, worked deep in the midfield to allow his teammates, Dutchman Rafael van der Vaart and attacker Heung-Min Son to shine. With an average pass accuracy of 81% last season and placing third in the Bundesliga in number of tackles made, the Croat has not been capped too often for his national side, although a move to a top club could help him evolve into the star player he has the potential to be.

Strengths: Passing, tackling, ball interception

Javi Fuego (Valencia CF)

Javi Fuego

One of the best defensive midfielders in the La Liga, the former Rayo Vallecano player has an unusually high number of tackles per game. Criminally underrated for most of his career, the Spanish youth international has never got the call up to the national team that he deserves, but hopes to help his new club to the Champions League in a few years time.

Strengths: Tackling, ball interception

Cicinho (Sevilla FC)

Cicinho

Brazilian right-back Cicinho oozes class, and made 27 La Liga appearances in his debut season with Sevilla last year before getting injured and having to undergo knee surgery. Exceptionally strong in defence, he has shown the ability to make attacking runs forward too, but has never donned the Brazilian jersey. Like compatriot Dani Alves, who too played for Sevilla at one point, Cicinho wants to continue to make a mark with the club, where he is a star in his own right.

Strengths: Tackling, dribbling, passing

Dušan Tadi? (FC Twente)

Dušan Tadi?

Serbian midfielder Tadi? has already notched up three goals through penalties and four assists in the two matches he has played this season in the Eredivisie. Known for his accurate passing and dribbling, Tadi? can play further up the field as a supporting striker as well. He only became a regular in the national side in 2011, and the young playmaker continues to grandly defy expectations with The Tukkers.

Strengths: Passing, dribbling, volleying

Jan Mucha (FC Krylia Sovetov Samara)

Jan Mucha

Slovak goalkeeper Mucha moved to the Russian club after spending three years at Everton as a substitute and barely making more than five appearances. The first-choice goalkeeper for Slovakia, he has put in several fine performances for club and country alike, winning the Polish Cup with Legia Warsaw in 2008, after making some dazzling penalty saves.

However, the current Krylia goalkeeper Syarhey Veremko is a key player and Mucha will have to work hard to dislodge him, or risk yet another season on the bench, which would be unfortunate for a player of his calibre.

Strengths: Good reflexes, shot stopping