The most underrated players in the Premier League this season
With the Premier League season approaching a thrilling conclusion, there are still so many narratives to be settled. Who will win the league? Who will beat the drop in the relegation battle? Who will snatch fourth place in the coveted Champions League places? The top flight certainly hasn’t lacked drama and with the return of fans this season, the excitement has been in the air since the first kick of the ball back in August.
The title race looks to go to the wire and with odds to win the Premier League proving hard to call, the PFA Team of the Year also looks an interesting proposition. For those unaware, this is essentially the best 11 in the league — often from clubs higher up in the table. A lot of time players can go under the radar though and not get the credit they deserve. With that in mind, here are some of the most underrated players in the Premier League this season.
José Sá
Wolverhampton Wanders fans would have been nervous when Roma picked up goalkeeper Rui Patrício, who had been a solid servant since the club’s promotion back in 2018. However, new manager Bruno Lage signed José Sá as part the side’s new look, and has helped them to become one of the meanest defences in the league. With 11 clean sheets in the league at the time of writing, Sá might not make the team of the year against the likes of Alisson Becker and Ederson, but is certainly due some recognition for his work between the sticks in the Black Country.
Wilfried Zaha
An ever present in the Crystal Palace side, the enigmatic Wilfried Zaha can sometimes divide opinion, but this season has shown he has the end product to be considered one of the best attackers in the league. His diving and inability to release the ball would frustrate a neutral but his loyalty to those at Selhurst Park has ensured he is adored in South London and with 11 goals this season, one of his best in front of goal, don’t be surprised if the rumour mill is linking him with another move to Tottenham Hotspur or Arsenal comes around once again.
Joël Matip
Liverpool’s defence has been a key part of their ability to challenge for the title. While their high line might leave fans frustrated with officials, it’s a tactic that has ensured the Reds have kept 17 clean sheets so far this season. Virgil van Dijk will garner the majority of the attention when it comes to individual awards, especially given his resilience in coming back from a long-term injury, but it’s meant Joël Matip can quietly go about his business, performing excellently.
The Cameroonian has started the majority of games alongside Van Dijk, with Ibrahima Konaté deputising eight times as well as the odd appearance for Joe Gomez. Matip has shown he can avoid injuries this season, and his calm presence and aerial ability has earnt him cult status at Anfield in his fifth season at the club.
James Ward-Prowse
It feels like Southampton’s midfield maestro James Ward-Prowse has been around forever, such was the impact he made on the first team at Southampton from such a young age. At 27 now though, you feel he is at a crossroads if he doesn’t make a move to a bigger club. The World Cup is on the horizon and while the freekick specialist has been given a sporadic cap here and there by Gareth Southgate, you get the sense a move away from the relegation strugglers on the South Coast could be exactly what he needs.
Ralph Hasenhüttl’s side have continued to tread water this season — too good to go down but not enough quality to really ever compete, and for Ward-Prowse it means he could well miss out on the prime years of his career. Often undepreciated for his passing range and industry in centre midfield, he could well end up with a similar career path to Matt Le Tissier if he chooses to stay at St Mary’s.
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