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Even though football is a team sport, it is rare that the whole team is applauded. Most of the time it is a set of players that hog the spotlight, overshadowing the performance of the rest of the team.
But some players do not want all the attention. They are the ultimate professional, the team player and the one the coach can always depend upon to perform consistently. They go on with their business without any fuss and therefore are criminally not covered by the media.
Here are five players who deserve to be known:
#5 Cesar Azpilicueta
Affectionately known to Chelsea fans as "Dave", Cesar Azpilicueta is one of the best right backs the world does not talk about. After spending his youth career in Osasuna, he made his way to Ligue 1 to ply his trade in Marseille.
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After spending two years in France, he moved across the pond to Chelsea in 2012. Brought in as a back up to Branislav Ivanovic, Azpilicueta slowly found his way into the first team.
Azpilicueta has not only been a consistent performer, but he also is very versatile, comfortable in all positions across the backline. In fact, he was utilized extensively as left back by Jose Mourinho.
After Ivanovic left Chelsea, Azpilicueta became the first choice right back and has held that position till date. His consistency also won him the Chelsea Player of the year in 2012-2013, no small feat considering the superstars that surrounded him.
For Spain, like many players, Azpilicueta has had a tough time to get a look in. Though he has been selected for the squad since 2013, he has represented Spain only on 25 occasions. The tough competition has made it difficult for Azpilicueta to represent Spain, but at 29 he still has time to increase that tally.
#4 Keylor Navas
The story of Keylor Navas is a strange one. The goalkeeper is one of the game's most underrated positions. But in Navas's case, it is not just the media who do not value him highly. His club also does not seem to hold him high regards.
Navas shot to fame with his performances for Costa Rica in the 2014 World Cup. He had already made a name for himself in LaLiga with Levante, but the world took notice after his brilliant shot-stopping in Brazil. There was no surprise when it was known that many clubs were interested in signing him, but what did surprise many is who finally bought him.
Real Madrid stayed away from the usual path of signing a Galactico, to buy a talented but lesser known player. While he was brought in as a back up to Casillas, he inherited the No.1 shirt after the Spanish goalkeeper left the club in 2015. But the first sign of Madrid's low valuation of Navas was clear that summer.
In a swap deal, Real Madrid wanted David De Gea from Manchester United and send Navas the other way. While all the papers were ready, they were sent too late to FIFA. The transfer fell through, and both players and clubs were caught in limbo. De Gea moved on by signing a new contract with the Red Devils, and Keylor Navas became Madrid's No.1.
As Real's first choice goalkeeper, he showed the Madristas his world-class abilities. He won the Champions League with Real and only let in 3 goals throughout the competition, keeping 9 clean sheets in the process. In the next two seasons, he won the Champions League twice and added a LaLiga title to his trophy collection.
All this success should have naturally guaranteed Navas an undisputed starting berth. But throughout his time at Real, he has had to fight off speculation of De Gea coming to Real. And during all that time he has been a professional and stayed on top of his game.
But this season with the arrival of Thibaut Courtois, Navas lost his place. His performance did not dip nor did he make any high profile mistakes. He simply became the second choice because his counterpart is better known. To be fair Courtois is also a great goalkeeper, but the lack of movement in the transfer market for Navas is simply surprising.
Whether Navas will be content with playing second fiddle will be seen. At 32, he still has some more good years left in him, and there are many top clubs who could benefit with a player like him. The question is will they come for him.
#3 James Milner
In a world where footballers are known more for what they do off the field than on the field, James Milner is a breath of fresh air. He is what a footballer should be, no-nonsense, team player and get the job done no matter where or how many times you play.
He does not change his hairstyle every week or have a fashion label. But you can bet he will work twice as hard as any player in the field and still get no recognition for it.
Milner started his career in Leeds United, before moving on to Newcastle United and then Aston Villa. His commitment to the cause was clear and Manchester City came calling. Even though Man City shelled out £26 million, he was mostly used as a substitute.
After spending 5 years at the Etihad Stadium, he moved to Liverpool on a free transfer. Even though he was nearing his 30's, Jurgen Klopp knew he was getting a player fitter than most of his squad.
Milner became vice-captain and has been a regular establishment in the starting XI. During Liverpool's run to the finals of Champions League last year, Milner finally started receiving the recognition he deserves. He provided 9 assists during the campaign last season, the most by any player in the history of the competition.
Milner has finally started playing day in and day out and has been instrumental in bringing Klopp's high energy football onto the pitch. Many people have started taking notice of Milner's talents, but that was unfortunately not the case with England.
Milner retired in 2016 from International football, having struggled to find a place in the team. With England's recent turn in fortunes means that the chance of Milner coming out of retirement is slim.
At 32, many players fade out the game and are bit part players. With Milner that is not the case because of his unending energy. Hopefully, many young players will also take notice of him and follow his vision of the game.
#2 Mario Mandzukic
For someone who has played for several big clubs, Mandzukic is not that known around the world. Mandzukic started his career in Germany before making the move to Dinamo Zagreb. There he made his name as a forward, averaging a goal in every two matches. He returned to Germany via VfL Wolfsburg where his exploits earned him a move to Bayern Munich in 2012.
That season turned out to be a hugely successful one for the player and club. Mandzukic scored 22 goals as Bayern went on to complete a historic treble-winning season. The Croat again played a crucial role as the club secured another Bundesliga title as he scored 26 goals across all competition.
Atletico Madrid came calling next, where he scored the fourth goal in a famous 4-0 drubbing of arch-rivals Real. Mandzukic again showed that he was a capable goal scorer, chipping in with 20 goals in 43 appearances.
Mandzukic was on the move again and this time to Serie A with Juventus. Though his time at Turin has been blighted by injuries and being played out of position, he still remains an integral part of the Old Lady setup.
He has won the Serie A and Copa Italia double in all of his seasons in Italy so far. He won the goal of the season for scoring via a memorable overhead kick against Real Madrid in the Champions League finals, even though he ended up losing.
Mandzukic's highlight though has to be for his home nation. He played an integral part in Croatia run to the finals in Russia, as his tireless running and willpower getting rave reviews all around the world. He scored the winning goal in extra time against England to sent the Croats to their first ever World Cup Finals.
The tall-striker is the perfect example of a forward not just having to score goals to be important to a team. He has covered his lack of pace with his strength and unlimited stamina. He can play across the front line and often does it to accommodate other forwards.
His relentless pressing up front has led to defenders making mistakes and giving his team a chance to score. In an age where forwards get transferred for big money, it is puzzling why a player like Mandzukic goes under the radar. Probably he prefers it like that.
#1 Blaise Matuidi
Matuidi has to be one of the most underrated midfielders in football. He is what an ideal central midfielder should be. Box to box, tireless and tackles well. Yet he has gone unnoticed till now.
Having started his career in his home country France, Matuidi made his name after moving to Saint Etienne. His tenacity in the midfield was already showing and many clubs including Arsenal and Milan were interested in signing him.
After spending 4 years he moved to PSG, where his stock grew. He spent 7 trophy-laden years in Paris, as he became an integral part of not only PSG but also the French national team.
Despite appearing in the youth levels of the French national team, it took some time for Matuidi to break into the senior side. Once he did in 2010, Matuidi has been a regular for the Les Bleus. Matuidi greatest highlight also came with his country.
After the disappointment of being runner-up in 2016 Euro at home, Matuidi helped France one better by winning the 2018 World Cup, exactly 20 years since their last one.
While Pogba and Kante got all the applauds for France's victory, Matuidi has mysteriously been left out. Matuidi played in a more advanced role, providing the press up front. He also helped out the midfield with important tackles and interceptions. He gave the likes of Mbappe and Griezmann the license to attack, and not worry about defensive duties.
Matuidi now plies his trade with Juventus and is again a linchpin in the Italian giant's midfield. Like his fellow teammate Mandzukic, he has left the limelight on players like Ronaldo, Pjanic, and Dybala and prefers to work in the shadows.
