Premier League: The Most Underrated Player From Each of The 'Big 6'

The Premier League is by far the most competitive top-flight competition in the world. Owing to its frenetic nature of play, star-studded teams, world-class managers, drama and a title race that involves over six teams, it not only lures large crowds and fanbases but also provides enthralling action week-in-week-out.

Speaking of the title race - it takes natural match winners, a master tactician and a team's cohesion and consistency to mould a title-winning side. Some of the big guns such as Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and Arsenal contribute to the exhilarating race every year.

All these teams have players who can run the game on their day and turn it on its head at their will. While Chelsea have the dynamism of Eden Hazard, Manchester City have the magic of David Silva. While Manchester United have a showman in Paul Pogba, the Gunners rely on the services of Mesut Ozil.

All of the above players are world-class and probably unbeatable on their day. However, each of these star-dappled sides has a few players who either go unnoticed or are as valuable as the others.

Here are six players, one from each of the so-called 'big six', who is underrated.

Eric Dier - Tottenham Hotspur

Let's start with Tottenham Hotspur - a side that has been missing out on the Premier League title by fine and narrow margins over the last three years or so. Eric Dier is a fantastic footballer to have in your armoury, given his alertness, stability and combativeness.

He may not be a prolific ball-carrier like his partner Mousa Dembele or as creative as Christian Eriksen, but he is a player who can lock and block channels in midfield.

Dier can shut attacks and start them too. His positional sense and wisdom are what makes Spurs a formidable defensive unit. More often than not, the Englishman is one step ahead of the opponents' next move. Thus, he averages almost two tackles and interceptions per game.

Spurs have conceded just seven goals from their nine matches so far this season, and a lot of credit must go to Dier. He can just sit in front of the defence, knock the ball around, sense danger and keep the flow of proceedings going.

The 24-year-old is also a versatile player. Along with the defensive midfield role he performs brilliantly, he can also operate as a centre-back, arguably as well as anyone else. Sharp with his tackles and good in the air, Dier is a rock-solid defender. He can also play on either side of a back three.

How can such an inestimable player not draw the right number of plaudits?

Alex Iwobi - Arsenal

There's a lot to smile about the Emirates at the moment. The footballing minds of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Alacazette are synchronizing and gelling like one. Mesut Ozil seems to be enjoying his football again. Granit Xhaka is no more reckless in midfield and Hector Bellerin looks like he's got quicker across the flank.

While the goal-scoring is carried out by the likes of Ozil, Lacazette, Ramsey and Aubameyang, Alex Iwobi's contribution to the attack is quite priceless. He may not be as direct and central as any other forward, but the Nigerian is exquisite with the ball on his feet.

He has started each of the previous two league games for the Gunners and put up a fine show down the left wing. His pace coupled with an explosive nature that aims at flip-flapping past opponents and darting down the higher third of the pitch makes him an asset to have at a tender age of 22.

He also improves the variety in the Arsenal squad. Mkhitaryan is an architect in Emery's midfield, but Iwobi can be a fine option to come on and produce something. He is also beneficial to the team if the manager chooses to play both Aubameyang and Lacazette.

Fernandinho - Manchester City

Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva and Sergio Aguero are known for hogging all the headlines. Why shouldn't they? There is nothing this Manchester City squad lacks. From the question of depth to the doubts over consistency and solidity, Pep Guardiola's troops have rhetorically shut down all possible doors of denunciation.

A lot of theories and analysis has been developed over the past 15 months or so, aiming to decode the philosophy that is turning this club into a European powerhouse. One of the key factors that contribute to their pace of play and freedom to express is the presence of Fernandinho in midfield.

His service often goes unobserved. But it is he who watches the counter-attacking possibilities of the opposition and in turn, thwarts away any such jeopardy. Apart from his awareness and ability to intercept and block passes, the Brazilian is sharp and astute at tackling.

He is also a player who can play as many as six-seven matches in a month and continue at the same intensity every week. Offensively too, he takes a shot per game on an average and builds attacks. The 33-year-old is also capable of picking the right pass.

Fernandinho's long-range rockets need no further description either. Undoubtedly, he is Manchester City's most valuable player.

Adam Lallana - Liverpool

Injuries have hampered and hindered Adam Lallana's progress as a Red. He switched from Southampton after having spent eight years at St. Mary's. Last season, he only piled up 15 appearances in all competitions for the Merseyside club.

He is currently below the likes of skipper Jordan Henderson, Xherdan Shaqiri, James Milner, Naby Keita and Georginio Wijnaldum in the pecking order, but the former England international is an innovative yet gifted player.

He can switch from defence to attack in a flash. Speaking of his defensive prowess, Lallana is highly energetic in the middle of the park. He blends with the 'gegenpressing' philosophy followed by Jurgen Klopp. He can also chip in with a couple of clean tackles whenever necessary.

However, his main attributive is creativity. The 30-year-old can play in a deeper or an advanced role, split defences and play some teasing balls into the box. He is also a fox in the box.

Amidst the spangled Liverpool squad, Lallana's worth has come down a notch. However, if he stays fit for a while, his experience is sure to entice Klopp into selecting him.

Victor Lindelof - Manchester United

Manchester United have endured a roller coaster season thus far in all competitions. They have looked weary, sharp, wily, urgent and careless - all sporadically.

Jose Mourinho seems to have found his best centre-back pairing in Victor Lindelof and Chris Smalling. The former has come under scrutiny for his incautious and reckless nature on the pitch, but that's what under-emphasizes his potential as a remarkable, young defender.

The Swede reads the game well, covers ground rather quickly and wins aerial duels. It it the silly errors here and there that tear his reputation down. Up against a gigantic Juventus side, he was the player with most clearances (5), most blocks (5) and most interceptions (3). Also to mention, the 24-year-old was the only defender to not commit a foul.

It seems like he needed a few games to settle. Even in the big outing against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Lindelof seemed rather untroubled at the back.

Day by day, game by game, he is proving his worth at Manchester.

Antonio Rudiger - Chelsea

Rudiger is arguably the strongest centre-back in the PL

A lot of talk has been going around about Virgil Van Dijk, Toby Alderweireld and Aymeric Laporte, but not many have been noticing the consistency Antonio Rudiger is providing to the Chelsea setup under Maurizio Sarri.

Rudiger is at the heart of Chelsea's defence alongside David Luiz. What needs to be appreciated the most is his ability to shut attacks down and time his tackles to perfection. The manager demands a high defensive line, which is protected by an energetic midfield that presses with a high tempo. Should the midfield lines break, the onus is on Luiz and Rudiger to offer a last-ditch escape.

Next, the German is robust and solid. He might be a little rash with his challenges at times, but Rudiger will not allow his opponent even a blade of space. He closes down players, disallows them to turn and prevents danger quite well.

Another aspect of his game that isn't talked about is his ball-playing abilities. One cannot be a part of a Maurizio Sarri side if they cannot play out of the back with ease. Along with the pass accuracy of 91%, he is extremely comfortable on the ball, even if the defence is being pressed down.

Also to mention, Rudiger can pick the long diagonals with his eagle-eyed vision.

Edited by Shambhu Ajith