Comment: The Most Underrated Players

Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Kaka, Fernando Torres, Ronaldinho, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Luca Toni, Cesc Fabregas and many more are considered the best footballers in the world. Currently, they are highly rated, highly paid and highly respected and without any doubt deserve this applause.

All of the above mentioned are in top form, with top clubs and in total control of their game. Let’s have a look at those players who are equally excellent as the above mentioned superstars but don’t get their due share as they often go unnoticed. Here’s a list of the most underrated or unsung heroes.

Ricardo Quaresma (Porto and Portugal)

If we have a debate as to who the most underrated player is certainly Quaresma’s name is the first to come to mind. The Portuguese winger would play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Sporting Lisbon and took his career in the right direction by moving to Barcelona in ’04.

Destiny wasn’t on his side as he couldn’t find his feet in Spain scoring a single goal in 22 appearances which was followed by a foot injury. This was followed by a move back to homeland as he joined Porto FC and since then hasn’t looked back. He has been a magnificent performer with all the tricks in his bag. His super ball control coupled with the capability to score crucial goals has made him the best player in the Portuguese Super Liga.

Playing a major role in Porto’s three title triumphs in as many seasons, Quaresma was named the Portuguese Footballer of the Year in ’05 and ’06 and won the Portuguese Golden Ball last year. This season too, he was a primary reason for Porto’s dominance in the league. Despite such a bright CV, he hasn’t been receiving much applause though recently Real Madrid did show an interest. Personally, I feel Quaresma should use a bigger stage to prove his talent by moving to some of the English, Italian or Spanish giants.

Michael Carrick (Manchester United and England)

An influential holding midfielder and could be said the backbone of United’s midfield. Alert, creative and one of fittest player on the squad but is overshadowed in the presence of Ronaldo, Hargreaves and Scholes. Everything’s right for him – good club, good teammates except for a round of ovation.

Juninho Pernambucano (Lyon and Braziil)

The Brazilian known as the best player not to start for his national team deserves much more credit. Described as one of the most feared strikers from the dead ball situation, Juninho has scored from 36 freekicks for Lyon since ’01. He was never in the limelight and neither drew attention of a European giant in spite of having led Lyon to six straight titles. Juninho is on course with Lyon to win the seventh title and this leaved little doubts in the minds of the reader of him being an underrated player.

Martin Petrov (Manchester City and Bulgaria)

One of the main players responsible for the revival of Manchester City this season, the Bulgarian has quickly adapted to English life. He was easily City’s best player with the maximum assists and five goals to his credit. Don’t you think he deserves much more than a Manchester City?

Andres Iniesta (Barcelona and Spain)

Coming from Barcelona’s youth system, the 23 year old is an exciting player who creates plenty for his mates and scores decisive goals. The presence of Deco, Henry, Messi and Eto’o often lives him in the dark. A few claps for his lively and energetic football would do no harm.

Juan Roman Riquelme (Boca Juniors and Argentina)

This Argentinean has won the FIFA World Youth Chamoionship U-20 in ’97 and was named the South American Player of the Year in ’01. Riquelme was even nominated for the World Player of the Year Award in ’05 and ’06. The midfielder has had a nu8mber of twists in his career after successfully starting out with Boca Juniors. At Barcelona, he was troubled with some family problems and soon moved to Villarreal where he excelled like never before.

He was Yellow Submarines most valuable player and guided them to the Champions League semifinals where they lost to Arsenal. He is Argentina’s creative brain but never got the reward he deserved.