5 most under-rated footballers of 2018

#2 James Milner

James Milner

The footballing world owes James Milner an apology. For years he has been ridiculed for his unglamorous work rate, responsibility and consistency. However 2018 saw the Englishman go criminally unnoticed for what was a spectacular personal season. Last term, James Milner was a key figure in the Liverpool team which reached the Champions League final, making 13 appearances and registering the competition's highest number of assists with 8.

Over the 2017/18 campaign, the work horse put up 2.5 tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes, 1.9 clearances and blocks as well as 2 key passes a game. The Englishman doesn't have the effortless grace on the ball that makes players like De Bruyne and David Silva spellbinding to watch, but the tireless team player received a total lack of recognition from fans and pundits.

Ahead of the new 2018/19 campaign, Liverpool conducted a lactic acid test to identify the first team's fitness levels. Milner came on top of the entire squad and his younger teammates showing how much of a hardworking professional he is and maybe how we should appreciate his professionalism.