The 10 most underrated soccer players will surprise you
In the world of football, each name carries a unique story and a difficult journey. If Maradona, Pele, Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo are bright stars, then some players are often underrated. These players are often overlooked in debates about football’s most prominent faces. They are players who fight in the shadows and constantly try to prove their worth on the field. So, who is the most underrated football player? Next, let’s explore with King Soccer Tips the 10 most underrated soccer players, and discover the inspirational stories behind their names that will surprise you.
The list of underrated soccer players today
1. Wissam Ben Yedder
Wissam Ben Yedder, born August 12, 1990, is an indispensable name in French football. He is a talented striker who is making his mark with Ligue 1 club AS Monaco and the French national team. His career began at the amateur club UJA Alfortville, before moving to Toulouse in 2010. There, he scored a total of 71 goals in 174 appearances, surpassing even André-Pierre Gignac to become the club’s best goalscorer of the 21st century.
Then, Ben Yedder joined Sevilla for 10 million euros in 2016 and scored 70 goals in 138 matches in 3 seasons. With a 40 million euro transfer to Monaco in 2019, he shone as Ligue 1’s top scorer in his first season back. On the international stage, Ben Yedder made his mark with France at the U-21 level. He also featured in futsal before making his senior international debut for the team in March 2018.
2. Davor Šuker – Underrated soccer players
Davor Šuker, although considered one of Croatia’s greatest players, is often underrated in the world of football. Despite his talent and great contributions to football, his name is not as highly appreciated as that of other Croatian legends.
One of Šuker’s standout moments was at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, where he demonstrated his prowess before the eyes of the world. He played an important role in leading the Croatian team to the semi-final, a historic achievement for the country. Throughout the tournament, Šuker shone with outstanding goals, proving his technique and precision on the pitch.
3. Gheorghe Hagi
Gheorghe Hagi is an icon of Romanian football who has often been considered one of the most underrated soccer players despite his outstanding talent. He is considered one of the country’s greatest players, bringing pride to Romanian fans and transcending national boundaries to gain worldwide recognition in the 1980s and 1990s.
Nicknamed “The King”, Hagi is known for his superb technique and magical performances on the field. His playing style is characterized by creativity, sophistication, and a natural ability to control the game. One of Hagi’s most outstanding qualities is his dribbling skill, allowing him to forcefully and intelligently control the ball and overcome opponents’ defenses.
4. Luis Muriel – Underrated soccer players
Since joining Atalanta in 2019, Luis Muriel has shown incredible bravery on the Serie A field. With 51 goals in 110 appearances, the Colombian player has proven his class on the field. The fiercely competitive environment of Italy’s top league has pushed Muriel to consistently perform at a high level.
Muriel’s quick talent, sharp vision, scoring ability, and excellent dribbling techniques have helped him become one of the players who cannot be ignored in the squad. However, despite his impressive achievements, his name often does not receive the same level of recognition as some other stars in Italian football.
However, it is impossible to deny Muriel’s importance and influence on Atalanta’s success. With his important contributions on the field, he has established himself as an invaluable asset to the team and remains one of the most underrated soccer players.
5. Georginio Wijnaldum
During his time at Liverpool, Georginio Wijnaldum contributed significantly to the club’s success and was considered one of the most reliable holding midfielders. However, despite his significant contributions, he has often been among the most underrated midfielders.
His achievements often pale in comparison to the world-famous duo of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane. This trend has continued at PSG. Despite Wijnaldum’s notable contributions, his name is rarely mentioned in a team that includes Neymar, Mbappé, and Lionel Messi.
6. Keylor Navas
For a long time, Keylor Navas was one of the most underrated soccer players, failing to receive the recognition he deserved despite consistently showing excellence both at the club and national team level. The Costa Rican star began making his mark at Levante before moving to Real Madrid.
At the Bernabéu, Navas contributed to winning three UEFA Champions League titles and was awarded the CONCACAF Player of the Year twice, becoming the first player from Costa Rica to achieve such success. Despite these successes, his market value is still modestly valued at only about $11 million.
7. Gerard Moreno
Gerard Moreno’s journey in football is a story of perseverance, talent, and unwavering determination. Although he was once overlooked, Moreno’s influence on the field and his ability to play for both Villarreal and the Spanish national team cannot be denied.
Born in Santa Perpètua de Mogoda, Spain, Moreno began his career at the RCD Espanyol academy. After joining the first team in 2010, he gradually asserted his position in the squad. However, his time at Villarreal is truly the opportunity for Moreno to shine and prove his strength. Despite his remarkable performances, Moreno remains one of the most underrated soccer players in the league, often overshadowed by more high-profile names.
8. Danny Ings
Danny Ings’ impact on both Burnley and Southampton has demonstrated his ability to make a significant difference to the teams. His journey from helping Burnley gain promotion to the Premier League in 2014 to his role as a key player for Southampton has demonstrated his consistency and goalscoring ability.
In 2014, Ings played a key role in Burnley’s promotion campaign, making a significant contribution to their qualification for the Premier League. His ability to score goals under pressure and in decisive situations saw him recognized as one of the best players in the Championship that season.
9. Tomáš Souček
Tomáš Souček stands out as one of the most dedicated and accomplished players for both West Ham United and the Czech Republic national team. Although primarily a defensive midfielder, Souček not only worked hard in blocking but also contributed positively in attack. His performance often places him among the underrated soccer players who excel without receiving the full recognition they deserve.
Souček’s versatility allows him to excel in many aspects of the game. Not only does he bring stability and certainty to the midfield, but he also finds scoring opportunities and contributes to the team’s offensive play. His tireless work speed, uncompromising ability to compete, and decisiveness in collisions help him become an indispensable part of both defense and attack. Despite his significant contributions, Souček is often considered one of the most underrated soccer players, overshadowed by more widely recognized stars.
10. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar was honored as the Dutch Football Talent of the Year for 2003-2004, having left a deep mark in football, especially in the Eredivisie. Although he is mainly famous for his achievements in the Dutch Eredivisie, his international career is no less impressive.
With 42 goals in 78 appearances for the Dutch national team, Huntelaar has shown class and excellent scoring ability. In particular, his impressive record with 48 goals in international competitions is clear evidence of his important contribution to the team.
With a total of 400 goals in his career, Huntelaar has not only raised his level but is also an indispensable part of the history of Ajax and the Dutch national team. Although he is not a global superstar, his role and achievements cannot be overlooked, especially in creating miracles for his country and club.
Conclusion
In soccer, there are some underrated players, but that is not what determines their true value. These players are often judged based on numbers and titles, but in reality, behind those numbers are tireless efforts and a strong desire to succeed. Underrated players are often those who don’t feature much in top football conversations but who make important and indispensable contributions to their club and team. Even though they don’t get much recognition, they continue to fight and prove their worth every time they take the field. Behind every player, there is a story and a lesson about patience, struggle, and relentless passion, which truly represents the value of football!
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