Check out the top 10 most underrated soccer players

In the wave of fans flocking to every game, every goal, and every shot of the stars, many football players are still underrated and sometimes forgotten. In a world where stature and fame are often overrated, these players often face unique challenges to prove their worth. Today with Premiumsoccertips to review the top 10 underrated soccer players through the article below!

Who is the most underrated football player

1. Shaka Hislop

The tactical approach of manager Kevin Keegan and the signing of former striker Faustino Asprilla were once considered the main reasons for Newcastle’s loss of the Premier League title to Manchester United in the 1995-96 season. However, it was actually the injury of goalkeeper Hislop that played a significant role. Pavel Srnicek couldn’t adequately fill the void in front of the goal after Hislop suffered a serious injury.

Shaka Hislop - Underrated soccer players — Shaka Hislop – Underrated soccer players

Hislop contributed to Newcastle finishing as runners-up in the Premier League for two consecutive seasons (behind Man Utd) and was voted the best Trinidadian player in a World Cup finals. However, Hislop’s crucial influence on the team wasn’t enough to earn him recognition at the world-class level.

2. Gheorghe Hagi

The former Romanian footballer, dubbed the “Maradona of the Carpathian Mountains” by his hometown fans, was renowned for his exquisite left foot and ability to score beautiful goals. He was voted the greatest Romanian player of all time. Hagi, as the captain, led Romania to the quarter-finals of the 1994 World Cup – their best performance in a FIFA World Cup tournament.

Gheorghe Hagi - Underrated soccer players — Gheorghe Hagi – Underrated soccer players

His playing career also saw stints with Real Madrid and Barcelona. Hagi was one of the most technically skilled players the football world had ever seen, yet he didn’t garner as much media attention as contemporaries like Stoichkov, Romario.

3. Miroslav Klose

This 36-year-old forward wasn’t just an outstanding player; he was an icon of persistence and achievement in German football history. From a time when Germany was seen as a footballing machine with a rather rigid style of play, he showcased his talent and importance in the national team.

Klose embarked on a long journey from the early days of his career, ultimately reaching the pinnacle of glory at the 2014 World Cup. During this period, Germany not only claimed victory but also captivated fans with an enchanting attacking style of play.

Miroslav Klose - Underrated soccer players — Miroslav Klose – Underrated soccer players

Klose’s success wasn’t just limited to winning championships; he also became the highest goal scorer in World Cup history, with a total of 16 goals. He played a vital role in every one of Germany’s victories, from the runner-up position in 2002, third place in 2006 and 2010, to the impressive championship in Brazil in 2014.

Though not notable for speed or flashy skills, Klose demonstrated his prowess through his ability to seize opportunities and his intelligence on the field. However, compared to contemporaries like Van Nistelrooy, Ronaldo of Brazil, or Inzaghi, the praise for the German star seemed somewhat subdued. Nonetheless, this did not diminish Klose’s value and importance to fans and football history.

4. Dunga

During his playing career, Carlos Dunga was perhaps never the center of attention, especially when facing the flamboyant Brazilian national team. However, his role on the field was truly remarkable, particularly as a defensive midfielder.

When Brazil ended their 24-year wait for a World Cup title at the 1994 World Cup, Dunga played an undeniable part in the team’s success. Although Brazil’s style of play in that tournament was deemed unorthodox, Dunga was the closest link to how the team overcame challenges to claim the championship.

Dunga - Underrated football players — Dunga – Underrated football players

On the field, Dunga transformed himself into an impenetrable wall, providing stability and protection for Brazil’s defense. His efficiency and commitment helped Brazil overcome difficulties and achieve historic victories during a time when the team faced many challenges.

5. Matthias Sammer

This former East German player didn’t receive the recognition commensurate with his true talent on the field simply because he played in positions that didn’t attract much attention from fans: defensive midfielder and sweeper. However, it’s acknowledged that without Sammer playing as libero, Germany might not have won Euro 1996.

Matthias Sammer - Underrated football players — Matthias Sammer – Underrated football players

He won the UEFA Euro 96 Player of the Tournament and the Golden Ball that year. However, even when considering Germany’s success in that tournament, most people remember more prominent figures like Oliver Kahn, Jurgen Klinsmann, and Andreas Moller.

6. Denis Irwin

The Irish left-back spent 12 years with Manchester United, playing 529 matches. Maintaining a position in Alex Ferguson’s starting lineup for such a long time is no small feat for any player. Manchester United fans understand Irwin’s contributions and acknowledge his role in the club’s golden era. He was dubbed the “reliable gentleman” by the Red Devils’ supporters. However, Irwin deserves more praise for his outstanding achievements with Manchester United: a Champions League title, seven Premier League titles, and three FA Cups.

Denis Irwin - Underrated footballers — Denis Irwin – Underrated footballers

However, when recalling Manchester United during that period, fans often remember names like Eric Cantona, Bryan Robson, Gary Palister, Roy Keane, Peter Schmeichel, or later the class of ’92 with Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, the Neville brothers, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes, Jaap Stam, Dwight Yorke, and Andy Cole. These were the shining stars that crafted glorious chapters for Manchester United during their peak years.

7. Youri Djorkaeff

This player had the ability to play as both a forward and an attacking midfielder, and he made significant contributions to France’s victories at the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000. However, his excellence was often overshadowed by the magnificent performances of Zinedine Zidane, who is always the first name mentioned when recalling France’s success.

Youri Djorkaeff - Underrated footballers — Youri Djorkaeff – Underrated footballers

Upon closer examination, Djorkaeff’s role (also known as number 6) in France’s success at the 1998 World Cup cannot be underestimated. In that tournament, the French team lacked a quality striker, so they had to arrange their lineup with three defensive midfielders – Karambeu, Petit, and Deschamps – while assigning the creative responsibilities to Djorkaeff and Zidane. This shows that Djorkaeff played an important role in creating opportunities and supporting France’s attack, although the attention was often focused on other stars.

8. Alessandro Costacurta

This former center-back was an integral part of one of the most solid defensive quartets in football history when he paired with Mauro Tassoti, Franco Baresi, and Paolo Maldini at AC Milan. Costacurta (on the left) devoted more than 20 years to the club, appearing on the field 450 times and winning five Champions League titles with the team.

Alessandro Costacurta - Most underrated soccer players — Alessandro Costacurta – Most underrated soccer players

However, despite significant successes, his name always remained in the shadows compared to his three teammates. In the eyes of many fans, he wasn’t as highly regarded as his younger teammate Alessandro Nesta, who also contributed to AC Milan’s success and the Italian national team.

9. Ray Parlour

During his playing days, Parlour (on the right) was known as a solid midfielder, albeit lacking the glamour of a star. Therefore, he was given the nickname “Romford Pelé” (Romford being his hometown in northeast London).

Ray Parlour - Most underrated footballers — Ray Parlour – Most underrated footballers

He was only seen as a silent hero among Arsenal fans, thanks to his energetic performances. Despite not receiving much attention from neutral fans and the media, this midfielder, with only ten appearances for the England national team, left a mark in history. Particularly in the season when Arsenal won the Premier League unbeaten, Parlour made significant contributions alongside prominent names like Ashley Cole, Vieira, Henry, Pires, and Bergkamp. Manager Wenger also praised Parlour’s role at Arsenal.

10. Michael Carrick

If manager Alex Ferguson once remarked that this defensive midfielder was one of the best English players of his time, then surely Carrick deserves more recognition from English football. However, the 33-year-old player only made a total of 33 appearances for the England national team, despite his international career starting in 2001 when Carrick was just 19 years old.

Michael Carrick - Best underrated football players — Michael Carrick – Best underrated football players

Indeed, Michael Carrick suffered many injuries at Manchester United, but not to the extent that he was continuously overlooked by successive England national team managers when selecting squads for major tournaments. He was a technically proficient defensive midfielder, playing a simple yet accurate and intelligent style of football. His performances at Manchester United under both Ferguson and Van Gaal’s management show that he may have been somewhat unfairly treated by England national team managers.

Conclude

Finally, in the game of football, each player plays a part in the success of the team. Whether they get the limelight or not, their true worth cannot be dimmed. They are people who fight in the dark, who bring strength and patience. And every time they pass the underestimate, underrated soccer players not only prove themselves, but show the world that, sometimes, true values can’t be measured by the numbers on the scoreboard.