Top 10 most under-rated players in world football
Throughout the history of football, we have witnessed top class football players who possess the potential to single-handedly turn the game around at crucial moments or players who are tactically astute, can read the game well and understand the manger’s intentions in every manner. But the world fails to recognize the inborn talent in some of these lads and has often not given the credit they truly deserve. Their reputations simply don’t match their influence on the pitch – this is the absolute truth.
Let’s take a look at the top 10 under-rated football players in world football.
Olivier Giroud
Frenchman Olivier Giroud has proven this season that he will be Arsene Wenger’s No. 1 striker. He as already bagged 5 goals from 11 games with 40 shots on target. He has impressed managers in Europe with his great physical style of play, heading prowess and shot power. His spearheading attacks has caused havoc to the defenders. Moreover, his runs to the front post have outwitted defenders on most occasions.
Bacary Sagna
One of Arsene Wengers’s trusted players, Sagna has been Arsenal‘s reliable, consistent figure and a first choice right-back since 2007 after completing a € 9 million from Auxerre. The French full back who can operate as a centre-back has been described by Wenger himself as the best right back in the English Premier League. The 30 year old is highly under-rated despite displaying fantastic football. He is well known for his marvelous crosses and slick passing. He doesn’t let attackers get past him easily and at the same time has great technical ability aerial prowess .
Angel Di Maria
The Argentinian winger is renowned for his individual genius and talent to to cut into the box and slip past the defenders. Nicknamed ‘ El Angelito’ , the 25 year old has received praises and glory from his managers at Benfica, Real Madrid and Argentina. The lad has scored 19 goals from 102 games for Madrid, after making a €25 million move from Benfica. According to Spain’s Mundo Deportivo, Manchester United have made Di Maria their primary target this January transfer window.
Nani
“Nani’s got the potential to do what he wants. He’s one of the sharpest players around, has a great strike with both feet – he’s got the potential to be a top, top player.”
One of the most versatile attackers of the Premier League, Nani has been a nightmare for defenders. He has got the pace, acceleration and the bag of tricks which sets him high to display individual attacking flair in every game he plays. The 27 year old has got what it takes to put the Red Devils as the favorites to win the Premier League. Nani is recognised by the fans all over the world for his “leap of death” celebration after he scores.
Javier Hernandez
The Mexican striker who is a natural poacher, is a dedicated forward with great vision and creativity in the box as well as a great decision-maker. The 25 year old is great in the air and boasts plenty of pace and acceleration on the ground. The 5′ 9” striker is often a substitute, but when he sets his foot on the pitch, he creates wonder.
Lucas Moura
Lucas Moura made a suprizing €45m switch from Sao Paulo to Paris Saint Germain. The 21 year old made a key role in Brazil’s Confederation Cup 2013 and 2012 Olympics men’s football. A pure attacking midfielder who can also play as a winger has great vision of the ball and is highly versatile. The No.29 displays amazing skills in one on one situations.
Paulinho
The Brazilian played a crucial part in the Confederations Cup and scored 2 goals in the process. He scored the winning goal that edged Uruguay 2-1 which eventually booked the host country a spot in the final. Paulinho received the Bronze Ball for the third best player of the Confederation’s Cup. The Tottenham’s box-to-box dynamo has powerful running, strength, good ball control and movement inside the box. The 25 year old has the capability to dictate the tempo of a match with his smart and accurate passes. Apart from his strong defensive work, Paulinho also offers great technical skills in set pieces.
3. Sergio Busquets
Sergio Busquets
An unsung hero, Sergio Busquets possess the ultimate skill to provide accurate and definite passes to his team mates besides having the dexterity to break up opposition attacks. The player hasn’t made a single defensive error this season according to www.squawka.com. Being an immovable obstacle between the Barcelona defence and midfield, the Spaniard has had 90 % pass completion rate. Along with Iniesta and Xavi, Busquets is also a key contributor in the success of Barcelona’s ‘ Tiki Taka’ game play.
Diego Costa
The Brazilian’s superb form to the Spanish League has raised his profile all over the world. He has become a key offensive figure for Atletico Madrid after he scored 13 goals from 13 appearances. He has by far earned the manager’s trust and has become his side’s most valuable asset for his blistering pace and shot power. However, he received a lot of criticism after opting to play for Spain rather than his home country, Brazil.
Yaya Toure
A powerful box to box midfield general with the perfect ball playing skills, the Ivorian boasts a technical and visionary soul on and off the pitch. A true team enforcer, Yaya is recognized for his lung bursting runs from midfield to the final third besides his combination of strength and poise on the ball. A versatile player with great physical power with technique, Toure has earned over 80 caps for Ivory Coast and has played at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups. He was been voted African footballer of the Year for 2011 and 2012. The 30 -year old completely deserves to win the Ballon D’Or before his career is over.