Who is the most underrated player in world football? | OneFootball

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s bold claim has reignited the debate after Federico Valverde hit a superb hat-trick against Manchester City at the Bernabeu in the Champions League last-16 first leg. Who is the most underrated player in men’s football?

“He is undoubtedly the most underrated footballer on the planet,” Alexander-Arnold said, speaking to TNT Sports.

Valverde has played 364 times for Real Madrid, won 71 caps for Uruguay and lifted two Champions League and three La Liga titles, yet the 27-year-old has often been overshadowed by Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. His treble underlined his athleticism and technique, then he curled in another fine strike in Saturday’s win over Elche.

Elsewhere, nominations include Harry Maguire, praised for his aerial power, tackling and calm on the ball despite ridicule, and Bernardo Silva, the intelligent, hard-working constant in Manchester City’s era under Pep Guardiola.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Joao Neves is hailed as the fulcrum of last season’s quadruple winners who blitzed Inter 5-0 in the Champions League final, and he hit a hat-trick against Toulouse in August. Harry Kane, 32, has reached 500 goals for club and country, yet some argue his achievements remain underappreciated.

Other picks range from Stanislav Lobotka to Michael Olise, whose 27 assists and 15 goals give 42 contributions in 38 appearances, and Aleksandar Pavlovic, viewed as a potential successor to Kroos in Munich. The list is far from definitive, so more suggestions are welcome.

Source: NY Times