10 Most Underrated Players in the Premier League Right Now [Ranked]

The Premier League is packed with superstar names that dominate headlines, but there is also a group of players who remain vastly underrated despite their contributions.

Given the exceptional depth of quality in the league, it's fair to argue that this may be the strongest overall talent pool in Premier League history. Clubs like Ipswich Town, newly promoted yet capable of spending nearly £150 million on signings, illustrate just how much the league has evolved through financial power, attracting even more high-caliber players.

When defining "underrated" in this context, we've considered a combination of factors: overall ability, current form, importance to their team, and how they are perceived by fans and the media. Our goal is to highlight these players and offer them the recognition they deserve, potentially challenging preconceived opinions about their impact.

With that in mind, we’ve taken on the challenging task of identifying the 10 most underrated players in the Premier League.

10. Lucas Bergvall

Notable Clubs: Tottenham, Djurgarden

Signed for just £8.5 million, the 19-year-old midfielder has played far more than expected this season, largely due to Tottenham's extensive injury list under Ange Postecoglou. Initially featuring mainly in Europa League matches, he has seized his opportunities and quickly won over the home fans.

Bergvall’s versatility and all-around midfield ability have made him a vital box-to-box presence for Postecoglou. He excels at breaking up play, pressing high, driving his team forward, creating chances, and even finishing opportunities himself. What makes his rapid rise even more impressive is that he arrived in England with fewer than 40 top-flight appearances in Sweden—yet now, he looks set to become a key figure for Spurs in the years to come.

9. Lewis Cook

Notable Clubs: Leeds United and Bournemouth

If any team embodies the concept of underrated players, it’s Bournemouth. Their impressive resurgence under Andoni Iraola has been one of the season’s biggest surprises, and while their revamped attack has grabbed headlines, Lewis Cook deserves just as much recognition for his versatility, consistency, and quality.

A Bournemouth stalwart since 2016, Cook has long been a fan favorite, but his influence has only grown this season. Whether anchoring the midfield or filling in at right-back when needed, he has been a reliable presence. Since Boxing Day, he has captained the side in every league match, leading one of the Premier League’s most exciting and resilient teams. Given his outstanding contributions, his place among the league’s most underrated players is well earned.

8. Mikkel Damsgaard

Notable Clubs: Sampdoria, Nordsjælland, Brentford

While many fans remember Mikkel Damsgaard for his stunning free-kick against England at Euro 2020, his transition to Brentford was far from smooth. A knee injury hampered his debut season under Thomas Frank, limiting him to less than 1,000 minutes of action. However, this campaign has been a complete turnaround.

Thriving in a more advanced attacking midfield role, Damsgaard has flourished, registering 10 assists and two goals. His performances have been so impressive that he was named Brentford’s Player of the Month for four consecutive months by February 2025. With his technical ability, vision, and effortless style, the 24-year-old has revitalized his career—and the best may still be yet to come.

7. Illia Zabarnyi

Notable Clubs: Dynamo Kiev, Bournemouth

Illia Zabarnyi  pic.twitter.com/DPVoAlm4TX

— AFC Bournemouth  (@afcbournemouth) February 17, 2025

While the emergence of young talent Dean Huijsen has been a major talking point at Bournemouth this season, Illia Zabarnyi’s performances deserve just as much recognition. The 22-year-old centre-back has been a rock at the heart of Andoni Iraola’s defense, showcasing his composure, strength, and tactical awareness to make the Cherries a far tougher team to break down.

Despite his red card against Wolves, Zabarnyi’s importance to the team was evident in his absence. Ahead of his return, Iraola praised his defender, stating, "His performance levels have been very high," and admitting the team had "missed him." That sentiment was reinforced as Bournemouth conceded four goals in two games and squandered a two-goal lead against Tottenham without him.

6. Iliman Ndiaye

Notable Clubs: Sheffield United, Lyon, Everton

Everton fans have endured a turbulent few years filled with uncertainty and a lack of attacking quality, leading to frustration over the team's uninspiring football. However, the arrival of Iliman Ndiaye from Marseille for under £20 million last summer has injected much-needed excitement into their forward line.

The Senegalese forward, who was Sheffield United’s Player of the Year and a Championship Team of the Season member, has quickly become a fan favorite at Goodison Park. His skillful dribbling, fearless approach, and ability to take on defenders have given the Toffees a new attacking edge. After a mixed spell in France, he has also rediscovered his goalscoring touch. With Everton fans already chanting his name, strong summer reinforcements could see Ndiaye reach another level under David Moyes.

5. Lewis Hall

Notable Clubs: Chelsea, Newcastle United

Lewis Hall’s inclusion on this list is well deserved, as his rise to becoming Newcastle United’s starting left-back has gone somewhat under the radar. Despite his limited experience, the 19-year-old has adapted seamlessly to life in the North East, steadily improving with each game.

One of the biggest compliments to Hall’s ability is the frustration among Chelsea fans over the club’s decision to let him leave. Originally developed as a central midfielder, he has transitioned into a dynamic full-back, combining strength, intelligent positioning, and technical quality. His impressive performances not only make him a key figure for Newcastle but also put him firmly in contention for a starting role in Thomas Tuchel’s England setup.

4. Carlos Baleba

Notable Clubs: Brighton, Lille

Carlos Baleba may not yet be a household name among casual fans, but those who follow the game closely recognize his immense potential. Signed from Lille as Brighton’s replacement for Moisés Caicedo, the young midfielder has quickly proven to be another transfer masterstroke. Now, he looks set to become the club’s next mega-money departure—while Caicedo was flipped for £115 million after a £5 million signing, Brighton could secure a massive profit on their initial £23 million investment in Baleba.

At just 21, Baleba possesses a rare blend of physicality, intelligence, and technical ability. He’s strong, powerful, and reads the game well, while his ability to drive forward and unleash shots from distance makes him a true midfield force. Already linked with top English clubs, he has been instrumental in Brighton’s strong late-season form and appears destined for a big move in the near future.

3. Jan Paul Van Hecke

Notable Clubs: NAC Breda, Brighton

While Carlos Baleba has earned plenty of recognition, another Brighton standout who deserves more praise is Jan Paul van Hecke. The Dutch defender, who previously honed his craft at Blackburn and NAC Breda, has been a crucial figure in Brighton’s resurgence this season, providing leadership and reliability at the back.

Under Fabian Hürzeler, Van Hecke has epitomized the modern ball-playing centre-back, ranking among the league’s best for progressive passes. But he’s not just about composure in possession—he’s also a fearless defender who leads by example, throwing himself into challenges and blocks with determination. As he continues to improve, he looks set to become an even more integral part of Brighton’s defensive setup.

2. Morgan Gibbs-White

Notable Clubs: Wolves, Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest’s impressive season has been fueled by several standout performers, but Morgan Gibbs-White has been a class apart, leading the team with his creativity and drive. Operating in a free role, he acts as the vital link between midfield and attack, dictating play, finishing chances, and providing quality service to the wingers with precision.

Many fans believe Gibbs-White should be a guaranteed inclusion in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad, but given the fierce competition for attacking midfield spots, he’ll need to bide his time. Still, his steady development over the years has turned him into a top talent, and with Forest earning widespread praise for their performances, he fully deserves to be at the heart of those plaudits.

1. Jurrien Timber

Notable Clubs: Ajax, Arsenal

While we’ve mostly avoided players from the Premier League’s top clubs, Jurrien Timber simply had to be included. Despite flying under the radar for multiple reasons, the Dutch defender has been a valuable asset to Arsenal. Mikel Arteta has built an outstanding defensive setup, and Timber has seamlessly slotted in across both full-back positions and even at centre-back when needed.

His debut season was disrupted by a serious long-term injury, but since recovering, he has returned stronger than ever. Whether playing on the left, right, or centrally, he has impressed with his pace, technical ability, and tenacious defending—traits Arteta highly values. With competition from Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White, Timber may not always start, but he remains an integral part of the squad and a firm fan favorite at the Emirates.