The Premier League is filled with global superstars like Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah and Cole Palmer.
While these players may grab the headlines more often than not, every squad also has players who quietly go about their business without the recognition they deserve.
Whether they’re unsung leaders, midfielders seamlessly pulling the strings or stalwart defenders, these underrated players play a crucial role in their teams’ success.
Here, we’ve highlighted the player from each 2024/25 Premier League club we think is too often overlooked.
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1 ByStephan GeorgiouSep 6, 2024 Arsenal Jurrien Timber
He had a rocky start to his Arsenal career because of injury, but since returning to fitness, Jurrien Timber has been a key figure for the Gunners – in large part because of his versatility.
Whether asked to play at his preferred position of centre-back, at left-back or at right-back, the Dutchman always puts in a solid shift and rarely puts a foot wrong.
William Saliba and Gabriel may get most of the plaudits for Arsenal in defence, but without Timber, Mikel Arteta’s side could have really struggled this season.
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ByRoss KilvingtonNov 5, 2024 Aston Villa John McGinn
John McGinn embodies everything that makes Aston Villa a force under Unai Emery: work ethic, tactical intelligence and leadership.
The Scotsman’s relentless pressing, ball-carrying ability and knack for scoring crucial (and spectacular) goals make him indispensable. There’s a reason Villa fans sing about him being “better than Zidane”.
Bournemouth David Brooks
David Brooks’ comeback has been nothing short of remarkable. After being sidelined for 18 months due to a Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis, the Welsh winger fought his way back to full fitness and re-established himself as a key figure for Bournemouth.
With a wicked left foot and exquisite technique, Brooks has once again become a creative force for the Cherries. His goal against Everton in December was a testament to his quality – a moment of sheer brilliance that reminded everyone of his talent.
Brentford Yoane Wissa
Bryan Mbeumo has, understandably, been getting most of the plaudits for Brentford this season thanks to his 14 goals in all competitions.
However, Yoane Wissa, who has just two goals fewer than his strike partner, gets nowhere near the same amount of recognition.
The DR Congo international may not be as flashy as Mbeumo, nor possess the dancing feet of the Cameroonian, but he’s a superb finisher, has bags of pace and boasts clever movement, making him a real handful for even the best of defenders.
Brighton & Hove Albion Danny Welbeck
While he may no longer be Brighton’s first-choice striker, 34-year-old Danny Welbeck brings a calmness and intelligence to the Seagulls’ attack when called upon – qualities that are sometimes missing when Joao Pedro leads the line.
Though never the most prolific goalscorer, the experienced Englishman excels at holding up the ball and seamlessly linking up play. His movement, vision and ability to bring teammates into the game make him a valuable asset, particularly in matches where Brighton need control and composure in the final third.
Chelsea Malo Gusto
Malo Gusto is an excellent footballer. Enzo Maresca’s decision early in the season to deploy him as an inverted full-back – a role reserved for only the most technically gifted defenders – speaks volumes about the Chelsea star’s ability.
However, it’s as a traditional wing-back where the Frenchman truly excels, marauding up and down the right flank, causing havoc for opposition defenders and creating plenty of chances for his teammates.
Since Reece James’ return to fitness, Maresca has seemingly sidelined Gusto, but with the Englishman looking off the pace and lacking the attacking threat he once had before injuries took their toll, don’t expect that to last too long.
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ByBarney LaneFeb 4, 2025 Crystal Palace Chris Richards
Tall, strong, and athletic, Chris Richards possesses all the physical attributes you’d want in a central defender.
More importantly, he knows how to put those qualities to good use. Just ask Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho, whom he completely nullified during Crystal Palace’s 2-0 victory over the Red Devils in early February.
With Trevoh Chalobah now back at Chelsea, Richards is set to become an increasingly vital figure for the Eagles for the remainder of the season.
Everton James Tarkowski
Despite their struggles going forward under Sean Dyche, Everton boast one of the most watertight defences in the Premier League – and much of that is down to James Tarkowski.
A somewhat old-fashioned defender and a natural leader, the Englishman thrives in physical battles, dominates aerial duels and marshals the backline with authority.
While the headlines may suggest that young Jarrad Branthwaite is the backbone of the Toffees’ defence, in reality, it’s club captain Tarkowski who holds everything together.
Fulham Alex Iwobi
Once a promising youngster at Arsenal and later a £35m flop at Everton, Alex Iwobi has finally found his home at Fulham. Under Marco Silva, he has gone from strength to strength at Craven Cottage, thriving in a new role as a dynamic and creative midfielder.
Blessed with excellent technical ability, the Nigerian is excelling in the pocket behind the strikers – dribbling past opposition players, creating chances for fun, and even chipping in with goals himself.
Ipswich Town Leif Davis
When you mention Ipswich Town, the conversation inevitably turns to Liam Delap and Omari Hutchinson, who have been the headline grabbers in the Tractor Boys’ first season back in the Premier League for two decades.
Defender Leif Davis, however, rarely gets a mention, but he should. Offering both defensive solidity and an attacking threat from left-back, his exceptional crossing ability and tireless work rate make him a key player in Kieran McKenna’s side.