10 Most Underrated English Premier League Footballers

You've read plenty of articles telling you who the best and worst English Premier League players are. 

We know how good David Silva is and we know how bad James Perch is. 

But think about the footballers who don't receive enough recognition.

This article will tell you who the 10 most underrated Premier League footballers are. 

West Bromwich Albion: Shane Long

Shane Long copped Alan Hutton's despicable excuse of a challenge on the chin and limped off. 

Dani Alves would have called for stretcher. 

Long's five goals in 16 games isn't anything to brag about, but it's his forward pressing and ability to contest aerial challenges that make him such an invaluable team player. 

Wolverhampton Wanderers: Wayne Hennessey

Wolverhampton Wanderers were going to lose to Manchester City anyways, but Wayne Hennessey's shocking game didn't help his team or his cause. 

What it did do was instill a need to redeem himself. 

In the next game against Wigan Athletic, he had a man of the match performance as he saved Ben Watson's penalty whilst making six saves. 

Sebastian Larsson felt the same agony Watson felt as he also had his penalty stopped by Hennessey. 

The 24-year-old Welsh keeper had his best game against Arsenal, where he was the reason why Wolves claimed a point even with 10 men. 

Arsenal took 27 shots, nine of which were saved by Hennessey. 

Swansea: Mark Gower

Mark Gower is a lovely passer.

He plays the same role as Mikel Arteta does for Arsenal in that he plays as a defensive midfielder, but the term holding midfielder would be more appropriate. 

With five assists, Gower has more assists than Scott Sinclair, Nathan Dyer and Wayne Routledge combined. 

Wigan Athletic: Mohamed Diamé

Maybe Wigan Athletic should actually start Mohamed Diamé at centre-back because Gary Caldwell can't tackle.

Diamé made more tackles against Liverpool than Caldwell has in his last five games. 

The French-born Senegalese international is a powerful midfielder who would be a handy squad player for any top side. 

For Wigan, he's a stud. 

Blackburn Rovers: Rubén Rochina

Yakubu is getting the plaudits for the goals, but Rubén Rochina is playing excellently in midfield. 

Junior Hoilett hasn't really been himself since the transfer rumours have arisen. 

Rochina is committed in tracking back and likes to tackle, but it's his ability to play incisive passes and technical ability which see him a player to watch out for. 

I'd be surprised if the former Barcelona player stayed at Rovers. 

At 20 years of age, there's a lot to like about Rochina. 

Queens Park Rangers: Heiðar Helguson

Peter Crouch, Heiðar Helguson and Younès Kaboul are the only Premier League players to average four headers won per game. 

Helguson is the shortest at 5'10". 

Amazing isn't it? 

Of Queens Park Rangers' 18 goals, Helguson has scored seven and provided two assists, meaning the Icelander has contributed to 50 percent of QPR goals. 

Fulham: Moussa Dembélé

The way Moussa Dembélé glides past players is reminiscent of Abou Diaby. 

Dembélé is strong in tracking back, holds the ball up well, and has the vision to make a defence-splitting pass. 

Like Stéphane Sessègnon, at the end of the day you have to produce. 

Dembélé and Sessègnon for some reason do not produce, whereas someone like Yakubu has scored 10 goals. 

Everton: Royston Drenthe

When most people think about Royston Drenthe, the words overrated and over-hyped come to mind. 

He came to Everton because no other top club wanted to be burdened with the trouble.

Since the move, he's been auditioning for a move to a bigger club, with a string of fine performances, such as that versus Fulham. 

Aside from Ross Barkley, who hasn't played since November, Drenthe is the only Everton player able to provide incisive passing and dribbling. 

The former Real Madrid player been a bright spark for a dull Everton side who do not have a go-to forward. 

Queens Park Rangers: Alejandro Faurlín

As Adel Taarabt sulks and dreams of a move to Paris Saint-Germain, Alejandro Faurlín works his backside off for Queens Park Rangers.

The 25-year-old Argentine is physically strong and technically adept, but it's his will to succeed on a weak team that is so apparent.

Who leads the league in tackles made?

Lucas? Mohamed Diamé? Ramires? Scott Parker? 

Nope, it's Faurlín with 85 in 18 games, with a 78 percent success rate. 

Swansea: Michel Vorm

Easily the best keeper in the Premier League. 

Yet sadly, people who do not watch enough EPL football, do not even know who Michel Vorm is. 

Your Opinion

Just a note on Sebastian Larsson's omission from this list—I've always rated him. 

Maybe a few years back, his inclusion on this list would be more appropriate, but not now, especially since he's been such a solid player on the international stage. 

Who do you think is the most underrated player in the Premier League right now?

Would you play David de Gea over Michel Vorm?

Comment below with your opinion on this list. 

Also check out 12 January Targets for Kenny Dalglish.