7 underrated players in the top 7 teams in the Premier League
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and not reflective of the website as a whole.
Transfer window is the most exciting period for the football fans because of the exodus of footballers from their respective clubs. It is an opportunity for the clubs to invest money in right players who can help them to move forward. Many fans witness quality players being signed by their beloved clubs while others suffer through precarious disappointments.
In England, the summer transfer market was surely a roller coaster ride, with Mesut Ozil being the staggering signing by Arsenal FC. This move not only brought the positive feelings around the Emirates but lifted the mood of all the players.
Ozil flourished immediately in the youthful Arsenal. Elsewhere, Wayne Rooney became the central hub for a poor Manchester United team. Romelu Lukaku was an instant hit. Townsend kept the most expensive player of Spurs quiet. Eden Hazard took one step forward and thrived under the Special One. Luis Suarez left the controversial tag behind and displayed flamboyant, unique style of his to take the EPL by storm.
All these players were gathering the attention of the world, and elsewhere few other players were helping their teams to get over the line efficiently.
So, today, I will accentuate such players, predominantly playing for the teams who will be competing for European spots:
Bacary Sagna – Arsenal
Bacary Sagna
Mesut Ozil, understandably grabbed all the headlines, and even the resurgent Aaron Ramsey was all over the newspapers. Even Flamini got the deserved plaudits for his old school approach towards every match. But there is one man, who has been Mr. Consistent for Arsenal since his arrival i.e. Bacary Sagna, again displayed regularity in his performances.
He can deliver pin point crosses, if given time to pick his target. He has a very good pace and physically he is extremely strong. He never hesitates to put in a sliding tackle. He has a very good leap and frequently wins his aerial duels.
He provides natural width to Arsenal’s game plan when the likes of Ozil, Rosicky and Cazorla cut in from the right hand side. He has been selected twice in PFA team of the year more than any present right backs in the EPL. Mainly Johnson, Ivanovic, Zabaleta, Colemann, Rafael, Walker,etc.
| Apps | Goals | Chances created | Avg shot accuracy | Avg passing accuracy | Avg duels won | Avg pass length | Avg defensive actions | Yellow cards | Red cards |
| 18 | 1 | 13 | 56% | 86% | 61% | 18m | 6 | 3 | 0 |