The 5 most underrated players from the first half of the 2015/16 Premier League season
Although the big clubs and top goalscorers earn most of the limelight, there are certainly players that should receive more credit for what they do on the pitch. Listed below, in alphabetical order, are five top performers of the 2015/16 Premier League season that should be getting more attention. Marc […]
Although the big clubs and top goalscorers earn most of the limelight, there are certainly players that should receive more credit for what they do on the pitch. Listed below, in alphabetical order, are five top performers of the 2015/16 Premier League season that should be getting more attention.
Marc Albrighton (Leicester City)
“Brilliant to be part of such an amazing Club.” – Marc Albrighton reflects on 2015 https://t.co/iAKvycpYLL #LeiBou pic.twitter.com/pMZajLb59A
— Leicester City (@LCFC) December 31, 2015
While Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy receive much of the headlines for Leicester City’s ultra-impressive season, Albrighton has also been a revelation for the Foxes. The former Aston Villa winger has never commanded a transfer fee (joined Leicester in 2014 for free) nor has he been capped by the senior England national team. Nevertheless, Albrighton’s six assists rank seventh in league play and equal players such as Christian Eriksen and Sadio Mane. The 26-year-old has also racked up more chances created and key passes than Philippe Coutinho, Juan Mata and Pedro.
N’Golo Kante (Leicester City)
N'Golo Kanté will find you and he will take your football! ⚽️
#LeiChe pic.twitter.com/ykEotKN6sy
— Leicester City (@LCFC) December 15, 2015
Much like Albrighton, N’Golo Kante has somehow flown under the radar as well. Kante, a 24-year-old Parisian, arrived at the Premier League outfit from French club Caen back in August for a reported fee of £5.6 million. Despite his short stature (5’6”), the central midfielder has recorded more tackles and interceptions than Fernandinho, Nemanja Matic and Bastian Schweinsteiger. However, the Leicester City man is also capable going forward, as he has more chances created and key passes than the aforementioned trio too.
Nacho Monreal – Arsenal
VIDEO: @_nachomonreal on his highlights of 2015, the FA Cup and his aims for next year: https://t.co/9Io9aYagor pic.twitter.com/Th9Ks07ULD
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) December 28, 2015
Despite the fact that Monreal plays for a top team such as Arsenal, many seem to forget just how talented and stable the left back is. Squawka recently included the 29-year-old in their Premier League team of the year for 2015, and for good reason. Monreal is a significant piece of the puzzle to Arsenal’s stellar defensive record in the calendar year. The Spaniard has more interceptions during league play this season than Cesar Azpilicueta, Aleksandar Kolarov, and Ryan Bertrand, as well as boasting more tackles than all of the aforementioned players aside from the Chelsea defender. The Arsenal left back also aides his teammates going forward, as evident by his 16 key passes and two assists at the halfway point of the season.
Cedric Soares – Southampton
Cédric says it is vital #SaintsFC stick to their beliefs after yesterday's loss to #CPFC – https://t.co/mUyKIfWF5K pic.twitter.com/FnVYFUPwUo
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) December 13, 2015
Speaking of defenders, Southampton’s Cedric Soares is entering his prime as a top-tier Premier League right back. While he is a Portugal international, the 24-year-old still does not receive the recognition that he truly deserves. Brought in as a direct replacement for Liverpool bound Nathaniel Clyne, Soares has done an excellent job manning the Southhampton back line. Ranked as the 19th top performer of the Premier League season by Whoscored.com, Soares has more blocks and interceptions than Bacary Sagna, Hector Bellerin and Seamus Coleman so far this season. The former Sporting player has also yet to make a significant error during the current campaign.
Georginio Wijnaldum – Newcastle United
McCLAREN hails his side and the performance of @GWijnaldum after beating Jürgen Klopp's @LFC https://t.co/7nuG4tdDfv pic.twitter.com/WO9HCW8vk6
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) December 7, 2015
Yes, many people are familiar with the Netherlands international (although few seem to know how to pronounce his name correctly), but the 25-year-old has been fantastic since joining the Magpies from PSV in July. Wijnaldum’s seven Premier League goals are more than any other midfielder outside of Mahrez and his four-goal game against Norwich in October was nothing short of brilliant. The midfielder’s chances created (20), key passes (18) and pass completion percentage (83%) mirror many of the highly-rated players at his position in the league.
