It’s been an interesting season of football, to say the least. We’ve been treated to some shocking moments like Leverkusen’s Bundesliga win as well as Girona and Aston Villa’s winning Champions League spots in their various leagues. Whilst players like Vinicius, Bellingham, Haaland and Kane have rightfully received acclaim for their performances, there have been a few top footballers who haven’t received nearly enough spotlight for their work this season.

Here’s a list of the top 5 most underrated players from this season.

5 : Pascal Groß

The German midfielder is having yet another sensational season for Brighton. He has scored 5 goals and assisted 13 for his team but his impact has been far greater than that. Whilst Brighton have not had the best of seasons, due to an unforeseen injury crisis, Pascal has still been one of Di Zerbi’s top performers.

These performances made him a regular feature in the Germany National Team as well and he has been rewarded with a call up to the Euros Squad as a reward for his stellar campaign.

"For the third time in seven seasons, Pascal Gross broke the 150 #FPL points mark. Only Cole Palmer & Phil Foden earned more bonus points in 2023-24. Gross must be the most underrated player in the Premier League" #BHAFC https://t.co/VDE9TjeLnD

— We Are Brighton (@wearebrighton) May 27, 2024

4 : Romain del Castillo

Brest have had an incredible season. Perhaps their underdog story has gone a bit under the radar this season with all the media attention going to Bayer Leverkusen, Atalanta and Girona. That doesn’t make their achievement any less special though. Brest managed to secure Champions League football in Ligue 1 and Romain has been the main protagonist of their season.

He finished the season with 8 goals and 8 assists which are very impressive statistics for a winger. He has also been one of the best dribblers in Europe this season as well and he’s got one of the best key passes per 90 ratio in the league. Despite this, he’s not received nearly enough credit for his performances.

⏱️ 86e minute : Romain Del Castillo marque le but de la victoire ⏱️

Vous étiez 11 309 à vibrer dimanche dernier et à décrocher 127 points !

📲 Rejoignez-nous 👉 https://t.co/YewV4Pfq4y

👋 @MonPetitGazon pic.twitter.com/MaNiFWNoqf

— Ligue 1 Uber Eats (@Ligue1UberEats) April 4, 2024

3 : Antoine Griezmann

I know. Calling Griezmann underrated seems a bit far fetched. But, he really isn’t. I genuinely believe that he had a case for being one of the best players in the world, before an ankle injury derailed his end to the season. Atletico haven’t exactly had the best of seasons but they’ve still managed to secure Champions League football and a lot of credit for that goes to Griezmann.

Judging the Frenchman by stats would be foolish but he still does manage to put up some very good numbers. He has 16 goals and assists in the league as well as 6 goals and 1 assist in the Champions League. He’s been absolutely unplayable. Griezmann has a case for being one of the most underrated players in the history of this sport, which is why it shouldn’t be a huge surprise that he’s made this list. He definitely deserves more credit for his performances.

Antoine Griezmann becomes Atlético's all-time top scorer 👑

And what a way to do it. pic.twitter.com/4LrExBswk7

— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 10, 2024

2 : Granit Xhaka

How does one go from struggling for form at Arsenal to becoming one of the best midfielders in the world. Xhaka really has had an amazing turn around to his situation. Being one of the key men in Xabi Alonso’s side, the Swiss midfielder has helped Bayer Leverkusen achieve a historic season where they’ve gone invincible in the league and ended Bayern Munich’s 11 year run of domination.

Xhaka has shown how playing in a good system can be. One can argue that he is the entire system for Leverkusen because it would be difficult for them to implement their high octane pressing and attacking approach without having the security of Xhaka at the base of midfield. Costing around €25m, the midfielder might just have been the steal of the season.

🇨🇭😍 Granit Xhaka's winning goal in the DFB Pokal was absolutely superb! 🚀 pic.twitter.com/KAxjgRSEGk

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) May 26, 2024

1 : Aleix Garcia

I have genuinely run out of words to describe this guy. I mentioned Girona’s historic season earlier on in this article and it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that none of it would have been possible without Aleix Garcia. Being the best midfielder in La Liga this season (apart from Toni Kroos), Garcia has been vital in securing Champions League football for Girona for the first time in their history.

Aleix’s technical ability alongside his high footballing IQ made him a huge asset for Michel. He’s pulled the strings in midfield and he’s genuinely been one of the best players on the pitch for Girona in almost every game this season. Bellingham will win the La Liga Player of the Season and rightfully so, but Garcia would probably be second in line for the award. His astonishing season has earned him interest from multiple clubs including Barcelona and even Bayer Leverkusen. Excited to see what comes next for him.

🔴⚫️ Bayer Leverkusen are planning to advance on Aleix García deal this week in order to get it done.

Xabi Alonso already called García in April, he’s keen on the move and there are no issues on the contract.

Bayer are confident to get deal sealed really soon. pic.twitter.com/ejkzj9RbSq

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 27, 2024