Every 2024/25 Premier League club’s most underrated player

The Premier League is filled with global superstars like Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah and Cole Palmer.

While these players may grab the headlines more often than not, every squad also has players who quietly go about their business without the recognition they deserve.

Whether they’re unsung leaders, midfielders seamlessly pulling the strings or stalwart defenders, these underrated players play a crucial role in their teams’ success.

Here, we’ve highlighted the player from each 2024/25 Premier League club we think is too often overlooked.

Arsenal

Jurrien Timber

He had a rocky start to his Arsenal career because of injury, but since returning to fitness, Jurrien Timber has been a key figure for the Gunners – in large part because of his versatility.

Whether asked to play at his preferred position of centre-back, at left-back or at right-back, the Dutchman always puts in a solid shift and rarely puts a foot wrong.

William Saliba and Gabriel may get most of the plaudits for Arsenal in defence, but without Timber, Mikel Arteta’s side could have really struggled this season.

Aston Villa

John McGinn

John McGinn embodies everything that makes Aston Villa a force under Unai Emery: work ethic, tactical intelligence and leadership.

The Scotsman’s relentless pressing, ball-carrying ability and knack for scoring crucial (and spectacular) goals make him indispensable. There’s a reason Villa fans sing about him being “better than Zidane”.

Bournemouth

David Brooks

David Brooks’ comeback has been nothing short of remarkable. After being sidelined for 18 months due to a Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis, the Welsh winger fought his way back to full fitness and re-established himself as a key figure for Bournemouth.

With a wicked left foot and exquisite technique, Brooks has once again become a creative force for the Cherries. His goal against Everton in December was a testament to his quality – a moment of sheer brilliance that reminded everyone of his talent.

Brentford

Yoane Wissa

Bryan Mbeumo has, understandably, been getting most of the plaudits for Brentford this season thanks to his 14 goals in all competitions.

However, Yoane Wissa, who has just two goals fewer than his strike partner, gets nowhere near the same amount of recognition.

The DR Congo international may not be as flashy as Mbeumo, nor possess the dancing feet of the Cameroonian, but he’s a superb finisher, has bags of pace and boasts clever movement, making him a real handful for even the best of defenders.

Brighton & Hove Albion

Danny Welbeck

While he may no longer be Brighton’s first-choice striker, 34-year-old Danny Welbeck brings a calmness and intelligence to the Seagulls’ attack when called upon – qualities that are sometimes missing when Joao Pedro leads the line.

Though never the most prolific goalscorer, the experienced Englishman excels at holding up the ball and seamlessly linking up play. His movement, vision and ability to bring teammates into the game make him a valuable asset, particularly in matches where Brighton need control and composure in the final third.

Chelsea

Malo Gusto

Malo Gusto is an excellent footballer. Enzo Maresca’s decision early in the season to deploy him as an inverted full-back – a role reserved for only the most technically gifted defenders – speaks volumes about the Chelsea star’s ability.

However, it’s as a traditional wing-back where the Frenchman truly excels, marauding up and down the right flank, causing havoc for opposition defenders and creating plenty of chances for his teammates.

Since Reece James’ return to fitness, Maresca has seemingly sidelined Gusto, but with the Englishman looking off the pace and lacking the attacking threat he once had before injuries took their toll, don’t expect that to last too long.

Crystal Palace

Chris Richards

Tall, strong, and athletic, Chris Richards possesses all the physical attributes you’d want in a central defender.

More importantly, he knows how to put those qualities to good use. Just ask Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho, whom he completely nullified during Crystal Palace’s 2-0 victory over the Red Devils in early February.

With Trevoh Chalobah now back at Chelsea, Richards is set to become an increasingly vital figure for the Eagles for the remainder of the season.

Everton

James Tarkowski

Despite their struggles going forward under Sean Dyche, Everton boast one of the most watertight defences in the Premier League – and much of that is down to James Tarkowski.

A somewhat old-fashioned defender and a natural leader, the Englishman thrives in physical battles, dominates aerial duels and marshals the backline with authority.

While the headlines may suggest that young Jarrad Branthwaite is the backbone of the Toffees’ defence, in reality, it’s club captain Tarkowski who holds everything together.

Fulham

Alex Iwobi

Once a promising youngster at Arsenal and later a £35m flop at Everton, Alex Iwobi has finally found his home at Fulham. Under Marco Silva, he has gone from strength to strength at Craven Cottage, thriving in a new role as a dynamic and creative midfielder.

Blessed with excellent technical ability, the Nigerian is excelling in the pocket behind the strikers – dribbling past opposition players, creating chances for fun, and even chipping in with goals himself.

Ipswich Town

Leif Davis

When you mention Ipswich Town, the conversation inevitably turns to Liam Delap and Omari Hutchinson, who have been the headline grabbers in the Tractor Boys’ first season back in the Premier League for two decades.

Defender Leif Davis, however, rarely gets a mention, but he should. Offering both defensive solidity and an attacking threat from left-back, his exceptional crossing ability and tireless work rate make him a key player in Kieran McKenna’s side.

Leicester City

Bilal El Khannouss

Playing for a struggling Premier League side can make it tougher to stand out, though Morocco international youngster Bilal El Khannouss may well be Leicester City’s brightest of shining lights.

Recently crowned the best player in Belgian football following his time last season with Genk, El Khannouss should perhaps be taken notice of a little more.

The Belgium-born midfielder was the match-winner in the Foxes’ win over Spurs in late January, where he showed just some of his class with a fine finish, which gave his relegation-threatened outfit three valuable points.

Liverpool

Alexis Mac Allister

Alexis Mac Allister is a World Cup winner and has been one of the Premier League’s most outstanding midfielders over the past three years – both with Brighton and Liverpool.

Perhaps in the shadow of star teammates Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, Mac Allister is arguably someone worthy of similar attention on his day.

His ability to dictate play, contribute defensively and create chances for his teammates with clever, disguised passes makes him an essential figure for the Reds. Without him, they often look far less composed and controlled in midfield.

Manchester City

Mateo Kovacic

Mateo Kovacic is the sort of player who doesn’t necessarily excel in any one particular area, but is consistently good at almost everything he does.

Whether that’s transitioning between the lines to launch attacks, keeping hold of the ball in tight spaces or even finding the net himself – something he’s done four times this season – the Croatian makes a valuable contribution for Manchester City across the pitch.

Naturally, given he’s playing in place of injured Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, fans will compare him to the Spaniard. But while Kovacic may not quite reach that level, he remains a top-tier player doing an excellent job in the middle of the park for one of the best teams in world football.

Manchester United

Diogo Dalot

While he’s often criticised for his lack of end product in the final third, what makes Diogo Dalot stand out – much like Jurrien Timber for Arsenal – is his versatility and consistency.

Whether at left-midfield, right-midfield or full-back, the Portugal international always brings a steady presence to this Manchester United side, offering defensive solidity while supporting attacks when needed.

Though he may not always grab the headlines, he has been one of United’s most reliable performers during what has been a turbulent few years for the club on the pitch.

Newcastle United

Martin Dubravka

The fact that Martin Dubravka went from warming the bench behind Nick Pope to instantly stepping in and keeping four clean sheets in a row after Pope’s injury in mid-December says everything you need to know about why the Slovakian is Newcastle United’s most underrated player.

A top-quality professional and a reliable performer, Dubravka is always ready to deliver when called upon – and now, with his impressive form, Pope can’t even get back into Eddie Howe’s team.

Nottingham Forest

Morgan Gibbs-White

Morgan Gibbs-White isn’t underrated in the way most of the players on this list are. In fact, he’s highly rated by Nottingham Forest fans and other Premier League clubs.

That said, we still don’t think people fully realise just how good the Englishman is.

His technical ability, vision and ability to lay on chances for his teammates make him a standout player in the Premier League, and he’s quickly becoming one of the most complete attacking midfielders in the division.

Whether with Forest or with another team, he has the ability to achieve great things in his career.

Southampton

Yukinari Sugawara

It was tough to pick an underrated player for Southampton given their struggles this season, but full-back Yukinari Sugawara gets our vote.

Despite the Saints’ difficulties, the Japan international still ranks highly for dribbles, chances created and successful crosses compared to others in his position in the Premier League this season.

If only those on the end of his whipped balls into the box could convert, perhaps the club wouldn’t be languishing at the bottom of the table.

Tottenham Hotspur

Son Heung-min

Son Heung-min isn’t underrated. In fact, he was widely regarded as one of the best wingers in world football. But with Tottenham’s struggles under Ange Postecoglou, it seems people have forgotten just how good he truly is.

A superb striker of the ball with excellent dribbling skills, the South Korean is still one of the best players in the Premier League when he’s at his best.

West Ham United

Michail Antonio

From Sebastien Haller to Gianluca Scamacca to Niclas Fullkrug, West Ham United have had a revolving door of expensive strikers pass through their ranks in recent years.

Michaíl Antonio has remained the constant force, outshining them all and ensuring – barring Fullkrug (whose days at the club seem numbered too) – that they were sold without a second thought.

The club’s record Premier League goalscorer, Antonio may not always be the most polished to watch, but he’s strong, fast, a nuisance for defenders, and most importantly, effective at getting the ball in the net, no matter how he manages it.

West Ham no doubt can’t wait to have him back.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Joao Gomes

While Matheus Cunha has been stealing the headlines for Wolves, his compatriot Joao Gomes, a dynamic and aggressive midfielder, has quietly become a key player for Vitor Pereira’s side.

His tenacity in midfield and ability to recover the ball, break up opposition attacks and launch counters has been crucial to the club’s recent surge in form. Gomes could prove pivotal to their Premier League survival come the end of the season.