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Predicting Every Premier League Club’s Unsung Hero For the 2020/21 Season


N'Golo Kante
N’Golo Kante makes the list | Pool/Getty Images

With the start of the 2020/21 Premier League season imminent, predictions here at 90min are aplenty.

You’ve already seen our punts at guessing – with the utmost logic, of course – every club’s star man and top scorer in 2020/21, now it’s time for the tricky task of foreshadowing each side’s ‘unsung hero’.

They’re the players who go under the radar when they simply shouldn’t; the grafters, the workhorses, the functionals, the under appreciated technicians, these are the profiles who fit the bill as underrated stars.

Thus, let’s have a gander at what we’ve come up with…

The Brazilian was weirdly never truly appreciated by a faction of Chelsea supporters despite his tremendous service, and something similar may play out in north London.

Sure, he could be defined as a ‘purple patch’ player but there’s no doubting Willian’s ability when on song.

He perhaps might not be one to rack up serious goal and assist tallies. Instead, his versatility, unpredictability, supreme technique and knack of scoring against Spurs are set to ensure he’s a valued member of Mikel Arteta’s squad.

John McGinn
The Scot’s 2019/20 season was disrupted by an ankle injury | Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images

A long-term ankle injury halted McGinn’s momentum amid an impressive start to life in the top-flight last term.

And with Jack Grealish set to stay at Villa Park this summer, it’ll be the technical but tenacious Scot in the middle of the park going unnoticed once more.

Yves Bissouma
Yves Bissouma has come on leaps and bounds in a Brighton shirt | James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images

The Seagulls should well be considered one of the ‘winners’ of the transfer window thus far despite the departure of Aaron Mooy, but it’s an old face who stands out as a potential underrated star.

Yves Bissouma is one of the finest ball-winners the Premier League has to offer and his form following the restart was nothing short of sublime. The Malian international may be appreciated by his own supporters, but is yet to grab the attention of fanbases elsewhere.

Ben Mee
Burnley skipper Ben Mee is a model for consistency | Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images

Hero on and off the field, skipper Ben Mee’s consistency at the heart of the Burnley defence has seemingly been overshadowed by the incessancy of other Premier League clubs to overpay the odds for James Tarkowski.

The 30-year-old’s been under appreciated ever since he arrived in the top-flight in 2014, and you can expect that to continue next time around as the Clarets inevitably finish between ninth and 15th off the back of typically stout defensive work.

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It’s criminal how under appreciated this man is | GLYN KIRK/Getty Images

Weird that one of the world’s leading central midfielders should even be considered as a potential underrated star, but there are simply way too many Chelsea fans who don’t value the Frenchman because he ‘doesn’t dictate play like Jorginho’ or have a mean skin fade like Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

And amid a summer of star arrivals of Stamford Bridge, it’ll be even easier for the superstar Frenchman to go unnoticed.

His work during the recent international only reinforced the notion that Kanté is the finest double-pivot midfielder on the planet.

Frank Lampard would be wise to alter his favoured system to a 4-2-3-1 to not only complement fresh faces, but also hand Kanté greater licence to do what he does best: destroy absolutely everything.

James McArthur
The epitome of an ‘unsung hero’ | Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images

Wilfried Zaha’s overwhelming supremacy compared to the rest of the Crystal Palace squad means that any of these inferior beings could well be considered ‘unsung heroes’.

But there’s one man who epitomises the term, and that’s gritty midfielder James McArthur.

The Scot contributes in all phases, boasts a fine passing range and is crucial to Palace’s typically astute work out of possession. The epitome of an all-rounder, and a player who hasn’t received anywhere close to the attention he deserves throughout his Premier League career.

A similar profile to Kanté, Brazilian midfielder Allan was one of the continent’s supreme ball-winners during his pomp at Napoli.

While efficient in possession, it is Allan’s athleticism, intensity and positional intelligence which stand out as crucial facets to his game – attributes which should see him go under the radar during his debut campaign at Goodison Park.

The £8m signing of Harrison Reed was crucial for Scott Parker. The 25-year-old was brilliant for the Cottagers amid their promotion run – standing out in their play-off final victory over Brentford.

Reed offers bite to the Fulham midfield as well as providing a metronomic figure. He’s neat and tidy in possession while diligent off it, setting him up for an under the radar campaign in the top-flight.

Ezgjan Alioski, Mateusz Klich
Mateusz Klich remarkably started 92 games on the spin for Marcelo Bielsa in the Argentine’s first two seasons | George Wood/Getty Images

With the focus set to be on summer arrivals Rodrigo and Robin Koch at both ends of the pitch along with England international Kalvin Phillips in the middle of the park, canny midfielder Mateusz Klick is destined to slip under the radar.

The Pole was a mainstay in Marcelo Bielsa’s side last season, with his all-action nature ensuring El Loco’s demanding ideals were translated onto the field. The energy and tenacity he provides are unrivalled.

Despite being right-footed, Castagne may well have been drafted in from Atalanta as Ben Chilwell’s replacement – although he lined-up in Leicester’s recent pre-season friendly against West Brom on the right flank with James Justin on the left.

Nevertheless, it’s the Belgian’s versatility and overall savviness following three years working under Gian Piero Gasperini at La Dea which should see him swiftly emerge as an impressive performer for the Foxes, but his profile suggests he’s someone who won’t gain too much traction outside Leicestershire.

Georginio Wijnaldum
Gini Wijnaldum’s Liverpool future remains up in the air | Pool/Getty Images

Providing he stays, this is an obvious pick.

Forget your goals and assists for just a minute, please – yes, I’m looking at you @Bumnaldum – because the Dutchman’s function in Jurgen Klopp’s juggernaut is so imperative and he carries it out with the utmost ease.

There are very few – if any – midfielders who could perform the Wijnaldum role with similar efficiency and effectiveness. Nope, not even Thiago Alcântara.

Ferland Mendy, Kyle Walker
Kyle Walker may still be England’s premier full-back despite Trent Alexander-Arnold’s meteoric rise | Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s ability to cross a ball has seemingly seen the world forget about Kyle Walker.

The Englishman has a complex role under Pep Guardiola which puts to the test his impressive versatility.

Walker’s mastered the difficult inverted full-back function, however, with his immense showing in City’s Champions League triumph over Real Madrid at the Etihad last month highlighting his importance to Guardiola’s side.

Scott McTominay
Scott McTominay struggled for minutes after the restart | James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images

The Scot was United’s best performer during the first-half of last season, with his supreme athleticism and impressive technical attributes laid bare.

However, Nemanja Matic’s resurgence combined with Paul Pogba’s return saw McTominay thrust to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s bench after the restart.

Nevertheless, there’s no doubting the 23-year-old’s capacity to play an underrated role in what promises to be an exciting season for the Red Devils.

The versatile Irishman joined from Burnley this summer on a free transfer in what might prove an astute bit of work from the Magpies.

His workhorse nature and pretty mediocre technical attributes ensures he fits the ‘unsung hero’ criteria to a tee. Hendrick will contribute in all phases for Steve Bruce’s side provided he’s granted a starting role.

FBL-ENG-PR-SHEFFIELD UTD-CHELSEA
David McGoldrick scored just two Premier League goals last time out | PETER POWELL/Getty Images

It just has to be, right?

‘Didsy’ earned the Premier League goal he was so deserving of last season on matchday 35 against Chelsea – in which he’d score a brace – following a frustrating campaign in front of goal for Chris Wilder’s plucky Blades.

Nevertheless, the Irishman plays such a selfless role in Wilder’s system; dropping into deeper zones to overload the midfield, drifting wide to facilitate combinations down the flanks and running channels like a man possessed.

It’s all set to continue in 2020/21.

Stuart Armstrong
Stuart Armstrong has emerged as a key figure in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side | Bryn Lennon/Getty Images

Typically serving as one of Ralph Hasenhuttl’s number tens in his 4-2-2-2, Armstrong’s relatively unique role and the manner in which he carries it out has seen him described as the St. Mary’s Koke.

The Scot scored five times in 30 games last time out, but it’s his smart space interpretation, contribution to the Saints’ counter-press, and efficient ball distribution which makes him an invaluable member of Hasenhuttl’s side.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in pre-season action for his new club | Marc Atkins/Getty Images

Although the Dane might not be the bona fide positional midfielder Spurs are crying out for, he does solve a number of issues for the north Londoners.

He may boast a relatively unspectacular profile, but his intensity and shrewdness out of possession combined with his smart use of the ball should see the 25-year-old evolve into a favourite of Jose Mourinho’s and the Lilywhite faithful.

It was loanees Matheus Pereira and Grady Diangana – whom the club have brought in on permanent deals this summer – who rightly took the plaudits for Albion’s promotion charge last season, but it was Conor Townsend who won over Baggies hearts.

The 27-year-old was Slaven Bilic’s second choice left-back before an injury to Kieran Gibbs saw him thrust into the starting XI for the long-haul.

Townsend took his chance with open arms as he proved an indispensable member of the Croat’s side, and he’ll be hoping to take that form into his maiden taste of Premier League football.

FBL-ENG-PR-NEWCASTLE-WEST HAM
The Czech international enjoyed a fine stint on loan at West Ham last season | OWEN HUMPHREYS/Getty Images

The Hammers were certainly wise to complete the permanent purchase of Souček this summer after the Czech international impressed in his short-loan spell last term.

He excels in the air, poses a threat in both boxes, is mightily dynamic and astute defensively. Overall, he’s an amalgamation of a ball carrier and destroyer, boasting a pretty complete profile.

Despite this, it’s hard to envisage Souček being the star of this West Ham side.

Leander Dendoncker
Leander Dendoncker is part of a superb Wolves midfield | Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Sure, Ruben Neves’ passing range is dreamy and Joao Moutinho’s still a classy little sucker, but don’t forget the more rugged Leander Dendocker in Wolves’ midfield.

Amid a busy – Portuguese heavy – transfer window thus far, Wolves are yet to bolster their central midfield options which suggests the Belgian is set to be a key part of Nuno Espirito Santo’s plans next season.

His versatility means he can fill in at centre-half when required, while his role in midfield is a demanding one; contributing in all phases, between both boxes.



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