James Milner is out injured for this clash against Manchester City (Getty Images)
Most of the new mega-money signings in the Premier League have hit the ground running this season. Players like Naby Keita, Jean Michael Seri, Jorginho, Riyad Mahrez and many others have caught the eye with several impressive performances and have been instrumental in the success of their respective teams.
The big signings have stolen the limelight with their performances but the contribution of some of the other players have gone unnoticed. Even though they have chipped in with consistent displays, they have been largely overshadowed by the names of the stalwarts.
Here are three players in the Premier League who might not be familiar names among the fans but have played a big part for their respective teams.
The 34-year-old former Greek international might not be as firm a fan favourite as Troy Deeney or Andre Gray but the left-back has made a major influence on the proceedings this season.
Holebas has chipped in with four assists and a goal so far and was one of the cornerstones of Watford’s brilliant start to the season.
The 34-year-old has contributed to the build-up play with rampaging runs down the left and has created plenty of chances with his accurate crosses. Furthermore, he has been consistent with his set-pieces, often posing a threat to the opposition with his deliveries into the box.
Although he is not the quickest or the strongest, few can argue with the fact that he has surpassed all expectations with his performances so far.
When the Serbian moved to St. James’ Park in 2015, he was one of the brightest prospects in European football. Although he boasted of a remarkable scoring record with 36 goals in 69 games for Belgian giants Anderlecht, the Serbian failed to fulfil his potential at Tyneside. Consequently, he was loaned out to Fulham last season in January.
However, the Serbian has rediscovered his mojo with the Cottagers. After helping Fulham secure promotion to the Premier League, manager Slavisa Jokanovic made his loan deal permanent and he hasn’t disappointed his manager. In fact, the 23-year-old has already netted five times in the Premier League, including a brace in the 4-2 victory over Burnley.
He might not be regarded as one of the best strikers in English top-flight but he has certainly shown that he is capable of racking up the goals.
Liverpool’s indispensable weapon in the midfield has been largely overshadowed by the names of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane. However, the 32-year-old former England international has done his job perfectly and silently in the heart of the midfield.
To be honest, he has been everywhere and has hardly shown any signs of fatigue. Klopp’s high-intensity and pressing football demand good levels of fitness and the veteran hasn’t lacked that by any means. In fact, he has been Liverpool’s midfield engine for the past few years.
He has amassed one goal and 2 assists from seven appearances in the Premier League so far and has a wonderful pass success percentage of 87.2. Furthermore, he averages 1.6 key passes per game.
Not only has he contributed to the attack with precise through balls and immaculate crosses but has also tracked back to help out his defenders. In other words, his work rate has been impressive.
He led the assists chart in the Champions League last season as Liverpool made it to the finals. And yet, he continues to be one of the most underrated footballers of the modern era.
