5 most under-rated footballers of 2018

#1 Fernandinho

Fernandinho

Manchester City's defensive midfielder Fernandinho is the most under-rated player of 2018. 5 years ago, the Brazilian joined a managerless Manchester City from Shakhtar Donetsk for 30 million pounds. With 8 seasons under his belt in the Ukrainian League, the Etihad faithful would be forgiven for any doubt they had on his arrival. However, the deep-lying midfielder has been a pivot in Pep Guardiola's City side.

An absolutely vital member of the record-breaking City squad of the 2017/18 season, Fernandinho enabled the likes of David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne play their natural game. The 33-year-old defensive midfielder played a selfless, but fundamental role for the Sky Blues. In fact, his 2900 minutes for City were only behind the minutes played by De Bruyne and Otamendi. While in the Guardiola side, the attacking midfielders are allowed an off day, but the role in the middle of the park is relentless and one that Fernandinho has no understudy for in the City squad.

With a total of 2975 passes in the league last term, he completed the third most in the Premier League behind only Nicolas Otamendi and Arsenal's Granit Xhaka. His 12.3 deep progression passes per 90 lead was the best in the League last term. His role in protecting the back four is also unrivaled by his teammates, and he makes more tackles and interceptions than any of the team. Considering the responsibility of the role that Fernandinho plays in the City side, we can safely say that the Brazilian is badly under-rated.