Before you get flummoxed by the title, let me clear my definition of who is an under rated footballer. Is he someone who works his socks off, never gets a compliment from his manager after a victory? Or is he the one who is relatively over shadowed by his flashier team mates and should deserve more plaudits that he gets?
So if I have cleared the air over my definition, I am putting a list of the top five Under-Rated players in the World right now. Most of the names are certainly heard but have never been mentioned. Hence the list! Feel free to slate me, and add yours to join in this discussion.
Leon Osman (Everton)
Does any Everton fan as well talk highly of him? Let alone having adorned him or even valued his reputation. He is a key member of the Everton squad possessing undeniable skills in the middle of the park. Osman has been a one club man for the Toffees if the loan spells at Derby County or Carlisle United are overlooked. However, his reputation has also failed to enhance at the International stage where he has earned only a handful number of caps for England.
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Ramires (Chelsea):
One of the most hardworking players in the Premier League and one of the manager’s first choice on the team sheet. Ask him to put in a shift anywhere, anytime and he will always give his full ounce of strength and determination. The Brazilian is always willing to run the extra mile when needed and is a gem of a player to have in your squad.
Fernando Gago (Boca Juniors):
It’s quite sad that this former Ream Madrid man failed to live up to the expectations at the Bernebeu. He is currently on loan at Velez Sarsfield from Valencia in Native Argentina. On his day, his attacking prowess is second to none and it will be under the full scanner and display for Argentina in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The Albiceleste Faithful would certainly be yearning to see some Gago Magic. Who knows this might be just the beginning.
Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City):
Another Argentine features in our list, sadly no one talk of him. The ultimate utility defender and the role model for the team, Zabaleta is ever-willing to do the ‘Lion’ work for Manchester City and Argentina while his companions earn most of the plaudits. If playing in the same team as Yaya Toure wasn’t tougher, certainly playing with Messi is!
Gokhan Inler (Napoli):
The more I see of this Napoli midfielder I wonder, how on earth hasn’t people even heard of his name. This Swiss International is a complete player who has the ability to control the tempo of the match or to do the dirty work and retian back possession for his team. What more when you have someone who scores great goals from Long way out. Certainly Under rated and by far is one of the best players in the Napoli squad. His game too, is also thriving under the tactical acumen of new manager and Genius Rafa Benitez.
Honourable Mentions: Angel Di Mario, Daniel De Rossi
