The Most Underrated Players in the Premiership

Everton

Last season, Everton's unsung hero was the much maligned Lee Carsley. And after letting the Irishman move to Birmingham in the close season, Everton have struggled to replace him as their form dipped. But as one man leaves another comes in. Enter Phil Jagielka.

Jagielka is one of the most flexible players plying his trade in England today. He's comfortable across midfield, in the back four, and has even played in goal when called upon.

Every manger needs a player like Jagielka. A player who puts the team first every time. He is comfortable anywhere in midfield, scores the odd goal, and isn't afraid to battle when the need calls for it. Since he signed for Moyes in 2007, he has been ever present in a variety of positions, never giving less than 100 percent.

Fulham

Since Simon Davies made his debut with Peterborough in 1997, he has been an ever-present element in all the clubs he has played for. He has a fantastic engine and that is matched with a great desire to work hard. He moved to Fulham in 2007 and has been one of the first names on the team sheet ever since.

Selfless in his quest to make the team better, Davies is a great team player. His performances have often been over shadowed by goal-scoring players, even though he has been instrumental in Fulham remaining a top-flight team.

Hull City

The whole Hull City team could feature in this article, as they were tipped by many to be relegation contenders for this season. Instead, they have defied all logic, and, as of tonight, they top the table.

Most will now be familiar with the goal-scoring exploits of Giovanni and of Boaz Myhill, being one of the best keepers so far this year. Marney has impressed in midfield and Marlon King is a handful as ever.

But Hull's unsung hero this season is 24-year-old defender Michael Turner. The young centre half has impressed where ever he has played. Picking up awards as player of the year at all of his clubs so far.

Since joining the Tigers in 2006, Turner has been ever present, as Hull steadily rose through the divisions, playing 96 games and scoring an impressive 10 goals. A future England player in the making, many sides will be watching him closely this season.

Liverpool

Another tough team to find an unsung hero. Liverpool are blessed with class in all departments. Last season, the unsung hero would have gone to Steve Finnan, but with his departure to Espanyol, we will look elsewhere.

Xabi Alonso would seem the obvious choice. He is one of the best passers of a ball in Europe, and is the one Liverpool midfielder who can dictate a game. He can get forward, is a beautiful striker of the ball, and is tactically astute. After a shaky start to his season, he has been one of Liverpool's better performers of late. No mean feat considering they're up at the top of the table.

Manchester City

Richard Dunne is a colossus of a centre half. And at the age of 29, he has finally come good on years of promise. He is the rock at the heart of both City's and Ireland's defences and rarely puts in a poor performance. He's a man's man, and is one of those players who just gets on with it no matter what's thrown in front of him.

While players like Micah Richards, Robinho, Elano, and Stephen Ireland have all hogged the limelight of late, they are all aware of Dunne's importance and of the solid foundation he provides.

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