Premier League 2020/21: Most Underrated XI Revealed
As the Premier League season concludes, Manchester City have reclaimed the crown, with Manchester United sealing second place, Liverpool mounting a late finish for third, and Chelsea securing the final Champions League spot. European football also returns for West Ham and Leicester—though both clubs missed out on the top four in the closing weeks—while Arsenal face a campaign outside European competition for the first time in over two decades. At the other end of the table, Fulham, West Brom, and Sheffield United drop to the Championship after challenging seasons.
Amidst the accolades and headlines, some Premier League stars delivered outstanding performances without the recognition their displays truly merited. Here we spotlight the Premier League’s Most Underrated XI of the 2020/21 season—players who often flew under the radar but played vital roles for their clubs.
Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)
Argentine keeper Emiliano Martinez was a revelation following his summer move from Arsenal to Aston Villa. Registering 15 clean sheets—the third-highest in the league—Martinez repeatedly provided the foundation for Villa’s impressive improvement from a relegation battle to a comfortable mid-table finish. His sharp reflexes, command of the area, and precise distribution transformed Villa’s back line and made him one of the standout transfers of the season.
Right Back: Reece James (Chelsea)
Reece James emerged as a reliable option on the right flank for Chelsea, despite fierce competition for places. The 20-year-old contributed across 25 appearances with a blend of defensive solidity (71% tackle success rate) and attacking flair, adding a goal and two assists. His ability to operate in multiple defensive roles helped Chelsea to a top-four finish and deep runs in both domestic and European competitions.
Centre Back: Wesley Fofana (Leicester City)
Arriving from Saint-Étienne, Wesley Fofana quickly established himself as a defensive cornerstone for Leicester City. Averaging more than three combined tackles and interceptions per match, the Frenchman demonstrated maturity far beyond his years. Fofana’s tactical intelligence, anticipation, and composure in possession formed the backbone of a resilient Foxes defense.
Centre Back: Harry Maguire (Manchester United)
Harry Maguire’s leadership at the heart of Manchester United’s defense has often been overshadowed by off-pitch headlines or transfer fee scrutiny. Yet his influence was clear: United consistently performed better with their captain marshalling the backline. Maguire’s absence late in the season, due to injury, coincided with a drop in United’s defensive assurance, underscoring his importance to the team.
Left Back: Aaron Cresswell (West Ham United)
Aaron Cresswell was pivotal in West Ham’s surge into European qualification, recording seven assists—more than any other Premier League defender. Whether playing as a traditional full-back or on the left of a three-man defense, Cresswell’s accurate deliveries and improved defensive performances significantly elevated the Hammers’ game and made him one of the division’s most effective and underappreciated left-sided defenders.
Central Midfield: Tomas Soucek (West Ham United)
Tomas Soucek provided a formidable blend of defensive strength and attacking threat in the West Ham engine room. Notching 10 goals and an assist, Soucek’s aerial dominance and tireless running regularly turned the tide for David Moyes’ side. His partnership with Declan Rice allowed West Ham to control games and climb the table, while his unrelenting commitment inspired teammates throughout the campaign.
Central Midfield: Youri Tielemans (Leicester City)
Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans enjoyed a standout campaign at Leicester, dictating play and frequently delivering when it mattered most. His six league goals and three assists only tell part of the story—Tielemans’ passing range, control in tight spaces, and knack for crucial interventions (such as his stunning FA Cup final goal) cemented his status as one of the division’s most effective midfielders.
Right Wing: Raphinha (Leeds United)
Few arrivals made quite the immediate impact Raphinha did at Elland Road. Joining from Rennes, the Brazilian winger dazzled with creativity, pace, and trickery, finishing the season with six goals and nine assists. Raphinha’s unpredictable play and flair for spectacular moments energized Marcelo Bielsa’s newly-promoted side, propelling Leeds to an impressive top-half finish.
Attacking Midfield: Matheus Pereira (West Bromwich Albion)
Despite West Brom’s struggles, Matheus Pereira was a consistent bright spark, amassing 11 goals and six assists. His technical ability, vision, and set-piece threat repeatedly gave the Baggies hope, especially in the season’s second half. Pereira’s individual heroics often kept West Brom competitive—and likely earned him admirers across Europe for a potential summer move.
Left Wing: Jack Grealish (Aston Villa)
Jack Grealish might have featured in more team of the year discussions had injury not disrupted his season. The Aston Villa captain was the Premier League’s most fouled player, using his dribbling and creativity to draw defenders and create opportunities. Grealish finished with six goals and ten assists, driving Villa’s attack and leading by example on and off the pitch.
Striker: Patrick Bamford (Leeds United)
Often doubted prior to Leeds’ Premier League return, Patrick Bamford proved his top-flight credentials in emphatic fashion. Scoring 17 goals and providing seven assists, the English forward’s intelligent movement, work rate, and clinical finishing made him indispensable in Bielsa’s high-intensity system. Bamford’s performances were crucial in securing Leeds a spot in the top half.
Conclusion: Celebrating Unsung Premier League Heroes
This Underrated XI recognizes those whose impressive statistics, leadership, and game-changing moments largely flew under the radar. While individual accolades often go to the league’s biggest names, these players were instrumental for their clubs and deserving of far greater recognition.
Who would make your Premier League Underrated XI? Let us know your thoughts below, and explore more tactical insights and in-depth team analyses from this remarkable season.
