5 most underrated footballers in the world right now

In the last decade or so, the beautiful game has given us some of the most important players that have broken more records than any other generation of football players really have. While the rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi still remains a hot topic of discussion, there have been some extremely talented prowesses who have emerged as the 'future' of the game. The likes of Neymar, Luis Suarez and Kylian Mbappe have surely sealed themselves in the books of the future.

While these players ascend to greater heights, there are some who have been overshadowed by their success, either playing for an unknown club or not being given the opportunity to portray their talents in order to gain the recognition. 5 such players have the potential and are capable of winning some of the greatest accolades in the world, given the fact that their time on the pitch becomes more regular than what it truly is, after all, being an underrated player isn't what they'd enjoy!

#5 Suso - AC Milan

The attacking midfielder has been under a lot of speculation, as he is rumored to have been in talks with Real Madrid as a potential replacement for Gareth Bale. A versatile playmaker, he is known for his ability to play both as a midfielder and as a forward, where he mostly plays as a winger.

However, his abilities have been shadowed by his time in Serie A, and he surely deserves a chance to play for one of the biggest teams in Europe in order to really prove his potential. While letting him go would surely be a loss for the Italian giants, the world can really get to see what the Spaniard is truly capable of, as he has a lot more to offer.

#4 Gelson Martins - Atletico Madrid

Martins is one of the best dribblers in the world.

The 23-year-old was signed by Atletico Madrid this season but hasn't been regular in terms of starting for his team. Similarly, his time with the Portuguese National team in the 2018 FIFA World cup was limited to one match in which he arrived as a substitute. For those who do not know him, Martins is considered as one of the best young dribblers in the world right now, with the ability to absolutely melt down the opposing defences and develop some of the most important from the wing.

His ability to play anywhere in the attack is what makes him an extremely important prowess. Regularity is what would truly get him what he deserves, and Diego Simeone must take that into consideration, making him start in some of the important matches for his club. His ability to tear down the defences can really help Atleti win multiple titles this season.

#3 Lorenzo Insigne - Napoli

There is no doubt that the diminutive forward is easily one of the most consistent Napoli players right now, as Insigne's goalscoring rate is something that the opposition fears the most. His short stature allows a low centre of gravity to be an advantage for him, as he can dribble past the opposition without losing the ball. He can also be deployed as an attacking midfielder, who can develop an understanding between him and his teammates, although he plays as a natural winger.

However, it is sure that the Italian maestro surely needs a bigger club in order to really show his potential, as Napoli aren't where they are supposed to be in any means. With Chelsea looking forward to getting a hold of his signature, Insigne could surely become a well-known talent, and could also compete for the Ballon d'Or.

#2 Douglas Costa - Juventus

Costa is an extremely underrated player.

Costa's pace is what really makes him an important player. He is often regarded as one of the fastest if not the fastest players in the world right now and can play on either side of the wing. The Brazilian's crossing ability is a strength that he carries as a winger and can surely be one of the future prospects for the Brazil International team.

His work-rate, slender build and the ability to strike from anywhere could make him a well-known player, as he isn't known by many. In 2010, Costa was included in Don Balon's list of the 100 best young players in the world, but it seems like the Brazilian hasn't lived up to his expectations. With only a handful of goals scored this season and the last, he still has to prove a point for himself and for the fans. With the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo, the Brazilian can surely amp his game up.

#1 Julian Draxler - Paris Saint Germain

Regularity is what football players need in order to really show what they are capable of, and Draxler's regularity on the pitch hasn't really been something that he could be so proud of. He is one of the very few two-footed players in the world, who can strike the ball from both his feet with equal power and is also known for his ambidexterity on the pitch, playing both as a winger and as an attacking midfielder.

However, since the arrival of Neymar Jr. last season, Draxler hasn't really been playing his part as a full-time player. With Angel Di Maria being the first choice replacement for any of the wingers in the team, it looks like the 25-year-old is left nowhere but on the bench, and his transfer value has been affected with this revelation. With the likes of Arsenal chasing the German International, Draxler could leave the French giants if he is to see the face of irregularity.

Edited by Amar Anand