As I write this, the Premier League 24/25 season is just about to enter Gameweek 7, which provides a rather opportune moment to analyse which players have hit the ground running and which are going under the radar.
While the discourse among the pundits, down the pub, or in the FPL group chat is full of big names like Haaland, Salah, Palmer, Saka, Antony etc; there are also those players who are steadily putting in fantastic performances and producing excellent numbers with little noise around them.
And so, it is my task today to draft a select 11 of these most underrated men, in a 4-3-3, based on my own opinion but also backed up with a few stats along the way.
GK – Matz Sels
The 32 year old has started the season strong for Nottingham Forest, and has bagged himself a starting spot in a once leaky defence that has much improved over the summer. A rather unsung member of their squad, his saves have been key, especially in their surprise win against Liverpool at Anfield.
LB – Antonee Robinson
The American has had a stellar start to the campaign for Fulham, pushing up the pitch and providing multiple assists with his crossing ability.
RCB – Micky Van de Ven
Having just assisted with a blinding run against Man United in a 3-0 win for Spurs, the Dutchman deserves huge credit for his crazy speed and defensive prowess.
LCB – Manuel Akanji
Akanji is perhaps the least appreciated City player, and yet he survives the Pep roulette most weeks, because of the key role he plays in the Blue’s defensive success.
RB – Rico Lewis
As much as it pains me to put in another City player, in recent weeks Rico Lewis has been electric (especially during pre-season), and when he shifts up into midfield his creativity and skilful eye are remarkable for his age.
LCM – Youri Tielemans
This may surprise some, but Villa’s midfield talisman currently ranks 4th in big chances created (12), and is a crucial element in attack, even while the likes of Watkins and Morgan Rogers are more accredited.
CDM – Ryan Gravenberch
Under Arne Slot, the former Ajax man has been reborn, racking up ridiculous MOTM performances every week, with some of the best underlying numbers seen in recent years.
RCM – Tyler Dibling
Southampton’s fresh-faced 18 year old is by far their most exciting prospect and main attacking threat – definitely someone to keep an eye one.
LW – Dwight McNeil
Despite playing for a struggling Everton side, McNeil ranks No.1 in the league for total chances created, and even picked up a brace against Crystal Palace.
RW – Bryan Mbeumo
Sorry Semenyo fans, but the Brentford man has been the main threat for the South London club, and has a habit of scoring within 60 seconds.
ST – Nicholas Jackson
And finally, the choice of Nicolas Jackson – a man who, despite always looking lost and confused, is consistently racking up goals and assists (albeit helped a lot by ‘El Chippy Chip’ Cole Palmer).
