Football Betting: The top ten most under-rated players in Europe

About the beautiful game / Razhan Miran / 14 January 2009 / 3 Comments

Xabi Alonso, Giorgio Chiellini and Anatoliy Tymoschuk make Razhan Miran's top 10 most under-rated players, currently playing in Europe. But why has he gone for them and who completes the list?

When I decided to undertake this article, I had no idea how difficult it would be. I decided to shortlist a few players that may have been taken for granted or who do not receive the media attention their football deserves. Before I knew it I had a list of fifty odd players, all of whom posed convincing arguments for their inclusion. I somehow withered the list down, and filtered more and more players away, chopping and changing the final ten on numerous occasions. What began as a simple article, turned into an in depth study, eating into my spare time at any opportunity. The struggle is now over, and I can present to you, in no particular order, Europe's top ten most under rated footballers:

(Before you judge me just remember Juan Roman Riquelme no longer plays in Europe.)

Xabi Alonso - Liverpool

Rafa Benitez seemed to have done everything he could to rid his side of Xabi Alonso last summer, in a bizarre transfer saga which involved many of Europe's top clubs. Indeed Rafa's only saving grace was his high valuation of the Spaniard, which allowed him to remain at Anfield. Fate would have it that Alonso has been without question Liverpool's top performer this year, with his sparkling performances contributing to his side topping the Premiership at the half way point. His passing range and accuracy is unparalleled in Europe, with his ability to keep possession and spring his side into attack from deep - a priceless commodity.

Jesus Navas - Sevilla

Had it not been for an unusual mental trait stuttering the young Spaniard's early progress, then Jesus Navas would certainly have been a bigger name on the European stage by now. The little genius suffers from acute homesickness, which has in the past led him to dropping out of training camps abroad with Sevilla. In fact, it is common knowledge that he is one player in Europe that has no price tag; he will never leave his hometown of Seville. This will also explain why a player of his ability still has no international caps to his name. Regardless, his quick feet and superb dribbling has become a cornerstone of Sevilla's counter attacking style, and still only 23, will develop into a class act.

Diego Milito - Genoa

Real Zaragoza may have got relegated last season, but what all the top clubs in Europe failed to recognise was that it wasn't through lack of the Argentine's efforts. Genoa may have got the buy of the season in Diego Milito, however his talent has been further highlighted in Serie A this year, and as a result will surely get the move that his ability has deserved for so long, and prove he can make it at the highest level. His intelligence, movement and finishing coupled with a polished technique are just some of the reasons I believe even at the age of 29, there is still a lot to come from him.

Aleksander Hleb - Barcelona

Josep Guardiola has yet to get the most out of the ex-Arsenal star, and while his side are firing on all cylinders, Hleb is unlikely to break into that first eleven. It is clear that Guardiola wasn't behind the controversial signing in the summer, and furthermore it seems that he is almost unaware of the brilliance of the Belarusian. Hleb was undoubtedly one of the best players in the Premiership last season, and in Europe, with his departure certainly one of the main reasons behind Arsenal's demise. There are few, if any, players in the world with better close control and quicker feet than the midfield maestro. If he could only add goals to his game, then the art of Hleb would be unquestionable.

Giorgio Chiellini - Juventus

A product of the Italian school of fine defending, from a young age, Giorgio Chiellini was nurtured and groomed on the one basic principle that has served the likes of Franco Baresi and Paolo Maldini so well throughout their careers - to keep the ball out of the net at all costs. He is slowly fulfilling his potential under Claudio Ranieri as one of Europe's best defenders, and still only twenty-four, is many years away from his prime. Amongst the hardest men in European football, he not only has the perfect physique, but the mentality to complement it. A captain and leader in the making.

Yuri Zhirkov - CSKA Moscow

At the age of 25, the 'Russian Ronaldinho' as he is known may have finally done enough for Europe to take notice of his excellence. A hidden gem of Russian football for so long, Yuri Zhirkov may at long last be on his way to one of Europe's top teams, which is where he belongs. A key member of Guus Hiddink's successful Euro 2008 side, his hard work and tenacity at wing back certainly impressed onlookers. However, it is fair to say that his creative and technical abilities may have been overlooked. He is a versatile left footed magician, with superb dribbling skills and an audacious repertoire of tricks.

Franck Ribery - Bayern Munich

It is no secret that Franck Ribery is an excellent footballer, and one of the most wanted men in the game. However, the brilliant Frenchman is better than you think he is. Maybe it is because he plies his trade in the German league, and receives little acknowledgement for his consistently dazzling performances, which has seen him take the mantle of Bundesliga's best player. Ribery is undeniably one of the best players in the world, in the same bracket as Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Lionel Messi. Without his creativity and game intelligence, Bayern are only half the team. Few men in the world can beat players as easily as Ribery, and with an excellent eye for goal, this makes him an invaluable asset to both club and country.

Anatoliy Tymoschuk - Zenit St. Petersburg

Not a household name, and not particularly exciting to watch, yet the Zenit St. Petersburg captain, is amongst the top three players in the world at what he does. Andrei Arshavin may have taken the headlines after Zenit's Uefa Cup success last year, but there is no doubt the Ukrainian holding midfielder played a key role. He is pivotal in Zenit's swift counter attacking system, and indeed the Ukraine national side, where it is largely considered that most of their recent success has been down to his influence. He is a rare breed of player, and one that so many of Europe's top clubs are crying out for. An exceptionally intelligent footballer, who not only seems to have perfected the art of intercepting the ball, but can also play a bit.

Adrian Mutu - Fiorentina

Although a nightmare spell at Chelsea will forever taint what could have been a glittering career, season after season, Adrian Mutu has proven his worth as one of Serie A's most feared and respected strikers. In his third season now with Fiorentina, the Romanian's career is back on track, with a few of Europe's elite seeking to lure him away. Mutu's best football however, has arguably been on the international stage, where he recently led Romania to the Euro 2008 championships. His industry and hard work in and around the opposition area make him an incredibly difficult player to keep quiet, especially since he possesses the quality and composure to punish any hint of a mistake.

Lucho Gonzalez - FC Porto

Respectfully known as 'the Commander', Lucho Gonzalez could most likely walk into any central midfield in Europe. Once upon a time his inclusion in Jose Pekerman's World Cup side confused me, but that was before I was able to appreciate the Argentine's impact on a game. He is not only a model professional and a leader, but a player that instils confidence in his teammates. For now, it seems to be loyalty keeping him at Porto, and indeed a sizable price tag, as he is well aware of the long line of suitors waiting on his availability. Hard working and versatile, yet technically adept, he is the complete footballer. A fine shot and killer pass are but a few of his outstanding qualities. The perfect captain.

Comments (3)

1. Amit Mandora | 14 January 2009

   What about Dirk Kuyt? He's the most over rated player in Holland.. so by default he must be the most under rated everywhere else. First name on the Liverpool team sheet, rested so that he can play in big games, forced pennant, benayoun and babel into substitute confinement.

2. Colonel Jones | 17 January 2009

   1 name........Daniel Carvalho

3. jimmy | 05 March 2009

   Amit Mandora - kuyt - you must be off your head. People like you just shouldn't talk.......... do you ever watch the prem?? He is further towards overated than under!!!!!!!!