Football is a game in which star and controversial players take the centre stage. They grab the headlines on a weekly basis and provides maximum content for the highlight reel. People do connect well with them. But they are some players who work from behind the curtains and bring out the best in them. And there is a particular term, “unsung heroes” dedicated wholly to them. They are not match-winners but do sweat it out more than a proven goalscorer. They keep the side moving and the ball rolling as per the team needs.
Every single name in this list gives in there all once they enter the field. One thing that the manager can be assured is the dedication of these players. They will give their 100 per cent once given a chance. They will have that occasional moment of brilliance that could take the opposition by surprise. But these are few and far between. They like to sit back and keep the show going.
Apart from a number of star names, a top team certainly have some other heroes who are vital to their team. Here are five such examples:
Alisson Becker: Liverpool had a team that could potentially dethrone Real Madrid as the top side in Europe last term. But it was the goalkeeping errors that cost them the final. They went into the transfer window with a definite plan. Sign the best possible goalkeeper available. Finally, they ended up signing Alisson Becker from Roma for £65 million. And the Brazilian has been a revelation at the back. He has been one of the most consistent performers for the reds. He has conceded the least amount of goals in the Premier League, 15 in 26 matches.
Fernandinho: He hails from Brazil and has been representing Manchester City from quite some time now and is one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. The 33-year-old veteran has seen the club scale new heights day by day. He has been putting in some extremely hard work and finally, it has started paying off. He is gaining some recognition worldwide. Manchester City looks a completely different side without him. Vulnerable and easy to break. He just keeps winning the ball back right throughout the 90 minutes.
Son-Heung Min: The South Korean International represents Tottenham Hotspur on the club level. He is a top player in the squad but fails to get his due recognition because of players like Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli. But the 26-year-old forward is always chipping in goals at crucial moments for the team. He is absolutely vital for the London-based club. His finishing is top-notch, to say the least.
Ander Herrera: Ander Herrera is one of those players who has improved massively with time. When he was bought in 2014 by Manchester United, he couldn't adapt to the pace of the Premier League. But with time, he has improved heavily as a midfielder and is one of the most important players in the United squad. He is the captain without the armband. Always keeping the defence in shape. He is the kind of player that a manager aspires for. The 29-year-old midfielder is one of the most passionate players for the club. And that's why he is a fan favourite at Old Trafford. He was the ‘Man of the Match’ in UEFA Europa League.
David Luiz: The Brazilian international was out-of-favour under Antonio Conte with only 18 league starts coming throughout the last term. But with the change of managers in the summer break, he has emerged as a first-choice defender for Chelsea. He is one of those defenders who are effective going forward too. He is a free kick specialist and can do wonders from just outside the box. He won the UEFA Champions League within the first year of his Chelsea career and has continued to represent the club for more than 200 times.
These players are the driving forces behind the success of these sides. Let's give them the credit that they deserve!
