5 most underrated midfielders in La Liga

#3 Guido Rodriguez

CA Osasuna v Real Betis - La Liga Santander

Another excellent defensive midfielder, Guido Rodriguez's presence allows both his club and country to play with a plethora of attacking talent. Acquired by Real Betis for just 10 million Euros, Rodriguez has established himself as an important player in the side over the last two years.

Rodriguez's defensive numbers per 90 are ridiculous - 3.29 tackles, 2.35 interceptions, 2.41 blocks, and 2.55 clearances. Betis are third in La Liga at the moment and Guido has played a huge role as a midfield anchor.

If Argentina are to do well in this year's World Cup, they will need Rodriguez to be on top form, like he was during their Copa America win last year.

#2 Dani Parejo

Villarreal CF v RC Celta - La Liga Santander

Dani Parejo, now 32, has always been underrated and underappreciated. Parejo has only four appearances for the Spanish national team despite a decade of consistent performances.

The footballing equivalent of a metronome, Parejo dictates games from the middle, controlling the tempo at which Villarreal plays. He is also a great set-piece taker.

Parejo already has six assists, this season, which will increase while keeping in mind his excellent delivery from freekicks and corners. Villarreal wouldn't have been able to believe their luck when they picked him up on a free transfer from rivals Valencia in 2021.

#1 Sergio Canales

Real Betis v RC Celta de Vigo - La Liga Santander

The fact that all big clubs aren't queuing up to sign Sergio Canales in every window is bewildering. A player of Canales' caliber and level of performance should really be competing for all the top prizes.

Since arriving at the Benito Villamarin in 2018, Canales has contributed directly to more than 50 of Real Betis' goals.

This season, Canales has three goals and four assists and has been nominated for La Liga Player of the Month for January. Another player often overlooked by Spain's managers, Canales, has only 10 international caps. With the World Cup taking place this year, Canales will be desperate to represent his country.