10 Most Underrated Players In Premier League History (Ranked)

10 Most Underrated Players In Premier League History (Ranked)

The Premier League has always been a league of stars. From explosive wingers and prolific goal scorers to headline-grabbing captains lifting trophies, the spotlight naturally gravitates toward those who rack up the numbers and steal the highlights. But football isn’t won by star power alone. It’s won by balance, discipline, intelligence, and players who quietly elevate everyone around them.

Over the years, the best teams in the league have had plenty of players who have stolen the headlines, but also plenty of top players who have gone completely under the radar and not been awarded with the respect that they deserve. That's where we step in. Here at Football Park we are giving you our 10 most underrated players in Premier League history. Enjoy!

10 - James Milner

Leeds United, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool, Brighton

A player who has been around forever, yet somehow still doesn’t get the credit he deserves. James Milner made his Premier League debut at just 16 years old and has never really looked back since. He’s played almost every position you can think of, and no matter where he’s been asked to play, he’s delivered. Milner isn’t the most exciting player to watch, but his professionalism, work rate, and football intelligence have made him a key player for title-winning sides. Managers absolutely love him, and that tells you everything.

He sets the standard for everyone in the squad and doesn't let anyone drop below it, whoever the name.

JAMES MILNER.

1 x Premier League
1 x European Cup
1 x FA Cup
1 x League Cup
1 x Club World Cup
1 x Super Cup
1 x Charity Shield

£0.

Liverpool legend 🛑 https://t.co/yVPsvH4k7y pic.twitter.com/zLFfh6WIfl

— - (@lfcmike__) May 4, 2023

9 - Leighton Baines

Everton

Leighton Baines was one of the best left-backs the Premier League has ever seen, yet he rarely gets mentioned in that conversation. Defensively solid, unbelievable going forward, and a set-piece specialist to top it off. During his time at Everton, he consistently outperformed full-backs playing for much bigger clubs. Had he moved elsewhere, his legacy would probably look very different. One of the most complete full-backs of the modern Premier League era.

It's 13 years ago today since Leighton Baines hit this fine goal as Everton beat West Bromwich Albion 2-1 at Goodison Park 🔵⚽️

The left-back netted a brace, also converting a penalty on the stroke of half time.

The attendance that night was 31,376.pic.twitter.com/8IjKgsZHMe

— Goodison Park History (@GoodisonHistory) January 30, 2026

8 - Gilberto Silva

Arsenal

When people talk about Arsenal’s Invincibles, they usually mention Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, and Dennis Bergkamp. But Gilberto Silva was just as important to that team. He sat in the midfield, broke up attacks, and allowed the attacking players to express themselves. He rarely made mistakes and always seemed to be in the right place at the right time. Not flashy, not loud — just incredibly effective.

We don't talk about Gilberto Silva enough. https://t.co/flNEmT5hui

— Mr Delborough 🫎 (❖,❖) (@chriisejike) January 30, 2026

7 - Michael Carrick

West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United

Michael Carrick was never the type of midfielder to dominate highlight reels, but his influence on games was massive. He controlled the tempo, kept things ticking over, and made everyone around him better. Manchester United fans often only realised how important he was when he wasn’t playing. Calm on the ball, tactically intelligent, and incredibly consistent. Carrick was one of the most underrated midfielders the league has seen.

More recently, he has just taken over Manchester United as interim manager, where he has started on fire with two wins vs Manchester City and Arsenal!

Michael Carrick's Premier League record with Man Utd:

291 appearances
21 assists
17 goals
5 titles pic.twitter.com/fWcJfQE6ka

— Premier League (@premierleague) June 9, 2016

6 - Nicolas Anelka

Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Bolton Wanderers, Chelsea

Nicolas Anelka’s Premier League career doesn’t get talked about nearly enough. Because of the controversy and the number of clubs he played for, people often forget just how good he actually was. He was quick, intelligent, and deadly in front of goal. Winning the Golden Boot in 2008/09 while playing in a Chelsea side full of stars says it all. On his day, Anelka was unplayable.

🗓 #OnThisDay in 2001, Nicolas Anelka joined the Reds! pic.twitter.com/HzvoRYOIOA

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 20, 2016

5 - Damien Duff

Blackburn Rovers, Chelsea, Newcastle United, Fulham

Damien Duff was an absolute nightmare for defenders in the early 2000s. Direct, quick, and fearless, he always wanted to take his man on.

At Chelsea, he played a crucial role in their first Premier League title under José Mourinho. While others grabbed the headlines, Duff did the hard work out wide and delivered when it mattered. A seriously underrated winger.

Damien Duff’s goal v Aston Villa (26 Dec 2004) pic.twitter.com/AMQkRz8gI9

— Archives (@CFCRetro) July 20, 2024

4 - Park Ji-sung

Manchester United

Now he really is the definition of an underrated player in a title-winning side. Park Ji-sung was the ultimate big-game player. Sir Alex Ferguson trusted him in the biggest matches for one simple reason: he always delivered.

His work rate was unbelievable, but he also had great football intelligence and a knack for popping up with important goals. Park sacrificed individual glory for the team, and because of that, his impact is often overlooked.

One of the key moments in Park Ji-sung’s career was marking Andrea Pirlo. He was truly a player willing to do anything for the team, known as a tireless hard worker, earning him the nickname Three-Lungs Park.

pic.twitter.com/L9lVJICpxY

— Football Fandom (@FandomID_) January 9, 2026

3 - Gary Speed

Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle United, Bolton Wanderers

If you look up 'consistency' in the dictionary, you see Gary Speed! Gary Speed was consistency personified. Season after season, he performed at a high level no matter where he played.

He could play centrally, out wide, arrive late in the box, and offer leadership on and off the pitch. Not the flashiest player, but one every manager would want in their team. Massively underrated.

Gary Speed. 1992. A young star for Leeds and Wales. Legend. pic.twitter.com/SZynkw6DSL

— The 90s Football Writer (@90s_writer) April 23, 2023

2 - Dennis Irwin

Manchester United

Dennis Irwin is one of the most reliable players the Premier League has ever seen. Week in, week out, he delivered solid performances with almost no mistakes.

He could play on either side of the defence, was excellent going forward, and was ice-cold from the penalty spot. Playing in a team full of superstars meant he often went unnoticed — but make no mistake, Irwin was world-class. Roy Keane once called him Manchester United’s best-ever full-back! High praise from a man not known for handing it out lightly. Irwin rarely put a foot wrong, yet is still overlooked in Premier League debates.

Dennis Irwin 🇮🇪 the best full back the league has ever seen with 7 premier league titles 🏆 pic.twitter.com/FtAOZyIZJS

— IRISH REDS 🔰 (@manutdirishreds) September 5, 2025

1 - Claude Makélélé

Chelsea

Claude Makélélé changed football in the Premier League. Before him, defensive midfielders rarely got the respect they deserved. After him, every top team wanted a player just like him.

He read the game better than almost anyone, broke up attacks effortlessly, and gave Chelsea the perfect balance. His role was so important that it literally became known as the “Makélélé role”. That alone tells you everything.

A truly elite footballer, and without question, he is who I believe is the most underrated Premier League player of all time.

Claude Makelele was a one-man shield wall.

Thou shalt not pass.

pic.twitter.com/MRxzv29ZAT

— A Funny Old Game (@sid_lambert) January 27, 2026