As we reach the thrilling conclusion of this unique Premier League season, there is so much to play for at both ends of the table.
While Manchester City looks to make it a hat-trick of successive titles after clinching the top spot from Arsenal, the battle for Champions League qualification is in the hands of Manchester United and the unlikely overachievers Newcastle United, with the Magpies shocking sports bets to potentially earn a spot in the top four. Liverpool has turned things around and looks to earn European football in some capacity while the bottom of the table is anyone’s guess, with a number of teams still in murky waters.
This has been a Premier League season to remember. Despite fixture congestion caused by the first-ever Winter World Cup, we’ve still seen records broken and a number of players break through to establish themselves as true gems in the English game.
As the last few months have been dominated by household names like Erling Haaland, Marcus Rashford, and Mohamed Salah, it’s also important to praise those that go under the radar. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the most underrated players in the Premier League this season.
Rodrigo – Leeds United
Despite another poor season for Leeds United, one in which at the time of writing their survival is still not guaranteed, one of the shining lights has been Rodrigo. The Spaniard is now in his third year at Elland Road and while initially signed from Valencia to play off the shoulder of Patrick Bamford, injuries and key player departures have meant he occupies the number nine role, and 11 Premier League goals this season is his best return in England so far. Leeds have some good talent and it was a tough call between Rodrigo and young winger Wilfried Gnonto, but the Spaniard just edges it based on productivity.
Lewis Dunk – Brighton
Given the poor form of Harry Maguire, and that Kyle Walker is out of the Manchester City squad, Brighton’s Lewis Dunk should certainly be up there in the pecking order for an England call-up. The Seagulls’ skipper has been a figure of consistency and made Roberto De Zerbi’s transition at the AMEX after Graham Potter left much easier. A one-club man, Brighton is likely to get ransacked this summer with the likes of Alexis Mac Allister and Moisés Caicedo linked with moves away, but Dunk is expected to remain on the South Coast, hopefully plotting for another Wembley venture as well as some European football.
Joao Palhinha – Fulham
It’s a testament to Fulham’s scouting network that they picked up a player of Joao Palhinha’s quality as easily as they did. Marco Silva helped sign his Portuguese compatriot from Sporting Lisbon earlier in the summer and the tough-tackling midfielder has been key to the Cottagers not just surviving but thriving on their return to the Premier League. Fulham has finally dismissed those yo-yo club nicknames, managing to remain steady all season around mid-table. If they want to push on further Palhinha will be key to their success, with the 27-year-old up there in terms of stats for the most tackles and interceptions. The challenging part for Fulham now will be keeping him in west London, as there will likely be a number of suitors interested in his signature after a promising maiden year.
