James Milner and the 5 Unsung Heroes of Manchester City

Having been somewhat marginalised from Manchester City's first XI last season, James Milner has forced his way into Manuel Pellegrini's first-team plans in recent weeks. He's in line to win City's Player of the Month for September after a string of impressive displays, and with less than a year left on his current deal, he's doing everything he can to earn a new one.

Here we take a look at what makes Milner underrated in the eyes of many and suggest four of his teammates who can also be considered "unsung" amongst the array of talent in City's squad.

1. James Milner

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Milner is the epitome of an “unsung hero.” Seen by many as nothing more than an industrious player, the truth is he also possesses technical quality and thoroughly deserves his place in City’s hugely talented squad.

Milner can run an incredible amount during a game, such is his freakish obsession with fitness, but he also has a great range of passing, can deliver excellent balls from wide areas, loves to tackle and has the intelligence to link up City’s play with neat, intricate football.

It’s time he was given the credit he deserves outside of the Etihad.

2. Martin Demichelis

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Centre-back Martin Demichelis has had his fair share of detractors since he arrived at the Etihad last summer, but the Argentine has proven to be a shrewd addition to City’s squad.

An old friend of Manuel Pellegrini’s after they had worked together at Malaga, the City boss didn’t hesitate when given the option to sign him. City needed a ball-playing centre-half comfortable in possession to fit Pellegrini’s new system, and with no younger, more expensive options available, Demichelis came in as a stop-gap signing.

He struggled at first, but after winning the League Cup in March and then putting in a wonderful display at the KC Stadium in a pivotal Premier League match later that month his form rocketed.

He was a key player in City’s title win and then went off to the World Cup to help Argentina reach the final. His form has remained consistent this season, and £32 million man Eliaquim Mangala has a fight on his hands to win a regular starting berth.

He's an easy target for criticism given his lack of pace, but his quality is surely no longer in question.

3. Fernandinho

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There are some players who allow others to shine—running, tackling and grafting so that those around them can demonstrate their ability and win matches. Their work can often go unnoticed, despite it being vital.

Fernandinho is one such player. He does all the unglamorous work so that the likes of Yaya Toure and David Silva—the club’s crown jewels—can express themselves.

It’s no coincidence that Toure had his best-ever season for City when playing alongside the Brazilian. Toure managed 20 league goals, becoming only the second-ever central midfielder to do so in the Premier League era, and much of that can be attributed to the work of his midfield partner.

4. Edin Dzeko

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Edin Dzeko hasn’t always found it easy to establish himself as a regular in the City starting XI. For a while after his arrival in 2011, his form was characterised by inconsistency, leading to long periods in and out the side struggling to consolidate any kind of decent form.

He was sometimes criticised for being lazy, for not showing total commitment to the cause, particularly when things weren’t going to plan. Dzeko would always score goals, but would he put in the hard yards and fight for a victory in difficult circumstances?

The answer to that question is now emphatically “yes.” Under Pellegrini, Dzeko feels wanted, a key part of the side whose qualities are valued. It’s led to his best and most consistent stretch of form since he arrived at the club.

5. Pablo Zabaleta

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City’s most obvious fans’ favourite and a player who doesn’t always get the plaudits he deserves is Pablo Zabaleta, the Argentinian right-back who has established himself as the best right-back in the Premier League.

Not since Shaun Goater have City had a player so universally loved by their supporters. He is one of the most determined players to wear the City blue, and for a club whose fans have always valued hard work and tenacity, Zabaleta ticks every criteria needed to be a hero.