A Tribute to the Real Underdogs of the Premier League

Cristiano Ronaldo, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, and Cesc Fabregas are amongst the best players in the English Premier League, but they are far from being listed in the "Underdogs" category.

Hell, I bet they don't even know what the word means!

Do you know any "Underdogs" in the Premier League?

Here's to 10 selected "Underdogs" because they are who make the real difference—they separate the winners and the losers, and they make the game worth watching, but they still fail to steal the lime-light.

Ever heard of Steven Ireland? The Manchester City midfielder has finally come of age and his attacking flair at Eastlands has made him a valuable member of the City's modernized force.

Mikel Arteta! The Spaniard, I reckon is Everton's best player and that's not easy given that the Toffees also have players like Tim Cahill and Joleon Lescott. Arteta is influential in attack and makes his presence known on defense. He is sensational from set-pieces, and is a reliable character that fits the "play-maker" category better than most.

Martin Laursen, Aston Villa's skipper, is quite dependable and has grown his reputation of being known as one of the best defenders in the league. When it matters most, Villa can bank on Laursen to use his aerial presence, pop into the box, and grab a much-needed goal.

Luis Antonio Valencia. The Ecuador International features in the Premier League for Wigan. His timely runs down the right wing and undying attitude on the pitch are enough to secure him a place in our ten. He also has quite a bit of venom in his strikes. Recently, it is believed that Real Madrid are eyeing the winger.

Shay Given. In recent years, Newcastle's defense has been nothing short of shaky with lads like Titus Bramble and Jean-Alain Boumsong at helm of it. However, Shay Given has been a glimmer of hope for the ever-disappointed Magpies at St. James Park. Given possesses amazing reflexes, and despite his rather short height, he always seems to hold his nerve, when it's needed most.

David Bentley. Snubbed by Arsenal, Bentley was given a chance to show his class by Blackburn. He has started firing on all cylinders under Mark Hughes.

David Bentley on the right, Morten Gamst Pedersen on the left with Roque Santa Cruz and Benni McCarthy up front. Rovers were a deadly force that couldn't last long as Hughes departed and Bentley looking for a new adventure after proving his point at Ewood Park. He is classy on the flanks and decent from free-kicks. Bentley is being tipped to be David Beckham's permanent replacement for England.

Geovanni. The Brazilian midfielder was quite impressive for Manchester City in his first Premier League season, but he was ditched by the Sky Blues. Geovanni knew he had unfinished business with the Premier League, and he returned with newly promoted Hull. This true underdog has excelled at the KC Stadium, and mostly away from it, as well, with his blistering strikes for Phil Brown's men.

Stewart Downing. Middlesbrough has a true gem in Downing. Naturally left-footed, Downing can cut in from right-wing to curl a stunner past the keeper, or fall wide on the left flank. Needless to say, he is quite versatile and his quality can not be questioned. Perhaps, he should be playing at a bigger club.

Ashley Young. Aston Villa are currently in the Top Four, and Young is one of the reasons for it. His free-kicks are outstanding, he can cut to strike or go deep to cross, with his pace, Young certainly has future with England and with him, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Curtis Davies, Nigel Reo-Coker, and even Gareth Barry (all worthy of the "Underdog" slot) present at Villa Park, the future is bright for Martin O'Neill's men.

Micheal Carrick. I know you're thinking "what on earth a lad from the Top Four doing on this list," but in truth, Micheal Carrick deserves to be on the list as much as anybody else. He's truly an unsung hero behind United's success. His pin-point through balls, and perfectly-timed challenges usually go unnoticed, and he, like Darren Fletcher at Old Trafford, could be listed as an "Underdog."

I think there are "Underdogs" in the Big Four—like Joe Cole at Chelsea, Xabi Alonso at Liverpool, and Bakary Sagna at Arsenal. Do you agree?

*note—all listed in bold deserve the "Underdog" tag.

Do you think I've missed out on anybody?

Jimmy Bullard, Kevin Nolan, Tuncay, Kieron Richardson, Andy Reid, Aaron Lennon, Tom Huddlestone, Jermaine Jenas, Brett Emerton, Nicky Butt, Charles N'Zogbia, Wilson Palacios, Craig Bellamy, Matt Taylor, Niko Kranjcar, Glenn Johnson, and Scott Parker also came relatively close.

Again, Wayne Rooney and Fernando Torres are not "Underdogs!"