Your Team's Unsung Hero is.... (Part 1)
by Chris
Welcome to the third day of the Sporting Lowdown advent calendar! This will be continued until the 24th December so any requests for my opinion will most likely be included in the 24 and in the future.
Every team has their stars, with the media attention and highlight reels endlessly displaying their aesthetically pleasing delights on a football field. But it's those who work hard, and do the so-called 'dirty work' which provide the opportunity for these players to shine above all. Here I will give my opinion on 10 Premier League clubs' so-called unsung hero and why.
Of course this is up for debate, and I will happily entertain the opinions of all willing to give theirs. Either leave a comment below, on Facebook or send me a message and I will certainly consider them.
Arsenal - Sead KOLASINAC (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
The robust and energetic full back arrived from Schalke 04 in the summer, and has been so far in my opinion the best full back in the Premier League this season. An absolute steal on the Bosman rule, the Gelsenkirchen club must be ruing their loss after his excellent start. Of course Arsenal's stars, Sanchez and Ozil, gain considerable credit, but Kolasinac is a big part of their success, completing 25 clearances, 16 interceptions and 77 recoveries so far this season. His praises could be more highly sung by media and as a fan of explosive full backs, I would most certainly like to see this.
AFC Bournemouth - Charlie DANIELS (England)
Another feisty full back, the Spurs trainee has travelled up the leagues with the Cherries and has become essential for Eddie Howe's cause at Dean Court. He's also fought off competition from the then record signing Tyrone Mings for first choice left back, and his stats are impressive enough for maybe an outside shot at England's World Cup squad. In his Premier League career he has a 22% cross completion rate, more than anybody at Bournemouth, also scoring 8 times in 86 appearances and assisting 9. I think he needs more credit as whenever I watch Bournemouth, he always has a composed feel and its clear that he's trusted by the manager and the team to give a 7/10.
Brighton & Hove Albion - Dale STEPHENS (England)
Of course by 'unsung hero' you think of tacklers, rough players, and less glamourous, but Dale Stephens, although possessing this trait, has been a key piece in Hughton's men making a very decent start to their Premier League debut season. With a tackle success rate of 60%, 109 recoveries, and 36 total clearances, the former Charlton midfielder clearly shows his tenacity, but with an average of 53.53 passes completed per game, and 66 accurate long passes, he shows the guile to be Brighton's quarterback, supplying the likes of Anthony Knockaert and Pascal Gross to create Brighton's chances and goal scoring opportunities.
Burnley - Matthew LOWTON (England)
The ex-Villa man managed to avoid a torrid time in the Premier League with his former employers, who suffered ignominious results as the team were steamrollered down to the Championship in the season where his new club Burnley were promoted, and he has established himself as one of the first names on the team sheet under Sean Dyche. A tackle success rate of 68% with a combined 84 clearances in the opening 13 matches is only bettered by Ben Mee at Burnley, and this man is another who I think if injuries were stockpiled would be in consideration for Russia.
Chelsea - Cesar AZPILICUETA (Spain)
The Spaniard has been hailed in the media previously, but not enough in my opinion. A humble height of 5"10 for a centre back is certainly made up for in game reading and mental attributes. A tackle success of 76% and a combined 89 clearances are the fore of Chelsea's defensive players, and he is another who always stands out and rarely puts a foot wrong. His solidarity gives opportunity to the wing backs to venture forward more, therefore giving more service to the likes of Morata and Hazard.
Crystal Palace - Luka MILIVOJEVIC (Serbia)
The Serbian was a key part in Palace's super survival under Allardyce last season, and although he's not performed up to scratch so far this season, his excellent performances last season give him the potential to turn things around this season. He has however got a tackle success of 72% this season which betters any of Palace's midfielders, although however much of an achievement that is remains to be seen!
Everton - Idrissa Gana GUEYE (Senegal)
Another tough one here, and another clawed from Aston Villa. The tenacious Senegalese central midfielder is quite well known for being Everton's version of N'Golo Kante, or a poor mans version, but the former Villa man has been excellent since Everton's hiring of Koeman, and is one of the best valued at just £7m in cost. With a tackle success of 74%, he ranks above all Everton midfielders this season. But he again will need to step up his performance if the Toffees are to finish respectably this season.
Huddersfield Town - ZANKA (Denmark)
With a combined 156 clearances in his 15 games which make him the 8th highest in the Premier League, the Danish centre back has been solid as Wagner's men have completed some shock results in their debut season at the top level. Mathias Jørgensen, going by his nickname, arrived from FC Copenhagen in the summer, and has taken the place of club cult hero Michael Hefele and has fulfilled his place excellently playing in every minute of league football this season.
Leicester City - Christian FUCHS (Austria)
The left back was a mainstay in the title winning XI of 15/16, and has continued his consistency in the next two seasons. Of course they have the young Ben Chilwell who is coming through but he is yet to establish the consistency that Fuchs has kept ever since his move in 2015. He's started all of Claude Puel's Premier League games in charge of Leicester too, meaning the impression made on the new manager is obviously positive. Although his stats are not as prominent, he has always appeared to be on the team sheet every game and has never made any glaring errors which have led to goals, meaning defensively he is sound.
Liverpool F.C. - Roberto FIRMINO (Brazil)
A strikers' job is to score goals, right? Well, the Brazilian has hit 11 in all competitions this season, including a double against Brighton yesterday, but the criticism of the silky former Hoffenheim man is that he doesn't score enough goals. But the fact is he has been involved in 18 goals this season, more than reputable hitmen Morata, Lukaku and Aguero. And with a little Egyptian such as Mo Salah in the form of his life, is there any need for a 25 goal season for Firmino? Is there a need for a 20-goal striker if you have a 20 goal winger? The Brazilian is considered lesser than Coutinho, Mane, and Salah in terms of valuablity but he is what epitomises the heavy metal Jurgen Klopp style. For me, as a Liverpool supporter, he is our best player and would make the biggest impact if he wasn't there.
If you enjoyed part 1, part 2 will be out soon in the Sporting Lowdown advent calendar. Any opinions and criticism is very much appreciated!
Chris :)
Welcome to the third day of the Sporting Lowdown advent calendar! This will be continued until the 24th December so any requests for my opinion will most likely be included in the 24 and in the future.
Every team has their stars, with the media attention and highlight reels endlessly displaying their aesthetically pleasing delights on a football field. But it's those who work hard, and do the so-called 'dirty work' which provide the opportunity for these players to shine above all. Here I will give my opinion on 10 Premier League clubs' so-called unsung hero and why.
Of course this is up for debate, and I will happily entertain the opinions of all willing to give theirs. Either leave a comment below, on Facebook or send me a message and I will certainly consider them.
Arsenal - Sead KOLASINAC (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
The robust and energetic full back arrived from Schalke 04 in the summer, and has been so far in my opinion the best full back in the Premier League this season. An absolute steal on the Bosman rule, the Gelsenkirchen club must be ruing their loss after his excellent start. Of course Arsenal's stars, Sanchez and Ozil, gain considerable credit, but Kolasinac is a big part of their success, completing 25 clearances, 16 interceptions and 77 recoveries so far this season. His praises could be more highly sung by media and as a fan of explosive full backs, I would most certainly like to see this.
AFC Bournemouth - Charlie DANIELS (England)
Another feisty full back, the Spurs trainee has travelled up the leagues with the Cherries and has become essential for Eddie Howe's cause at Dean Court. He's also fought off competition from the then record signing Tyrone Mings for first choice left back, and his stats are impressive enough for maybe an outside shot at England's World Cup squad. In his Premier League career he has a 22% cross completion rate, more than anybody at Bournemouth, also scoring 8 times in 86 appearances and assisting 9. I think he needs more credit as whenever I watch Bournemouth, he always has a composed feel and its clear that he's trusted by the manager and the team to give a 7/10.
Brighton & Hove Albion - Dale STEPHENS (England)
Of course by 'unsung hero' you think of tacklers, rough players, and less glamourous, but Dale Stephens, although possessing this trait, has been a key piece in Hughton's men making a very decent start to their Premier League debut season. With a tackle success rate of 60%, 109 recoveries, and 36 total clearances, the former Charlton midfielder clearly shows his tenacity, but with an average of 53.53 passes completed per game, and 66 accurate long passes, he shows the guile to be Brighton's quarterback, supplying the likes of Anthony Knockaert and Pascal Gross to create Brighton's chances and goal scoring opportunities.
Burnley - Matthew LOWTON (England)
The ex-Villa man managed to avoid a torrid time in the Premier League with his former employers, who suffered ignominious results as the team were steamrollered down to the Championship in the season where his new club Burnley were promoted, and he has established himself as one of the first names on the team sheet under Sean Dyche. A tackle success rate of 68% with a combined 84 clearances in the opening 13 matches is only bettered by Ben Mee at Burnley, and this man is another who I think if injuries were stockpiled would be in consideration for Russia.
Chelsea - Cesar AZPILICUETA (Spain)
The Spaniard has been hailed in the media previously, but not enough in my opinion. A humble height of 5"10 for a centre back is certainly made up for in game reading and mental attributes. A tackle success of 76% and a combined 89 clearances are the fore of Chelsea's defensive players, and he is another who always stands out and rarely puts a foot wrong. His solidarity gives opportunity to the wing backs to venture forward more, therefore giving more service to the likes of Morata and Hazard.
Crystal Palace - Luka MILIVOJEVIC (Serbia)
The Serbian was a key part in Palace's super survival under Allardyce last season, and although he's not performed up to scratch so far this season, his excellent performances last season give him the potential to turn things around this season. He has however got a tackle success of 72% this season which betters any of Palace's midfielders, although however much of an achievement that is remains to be seen!
Everton - Idrissa Gana GUEYE (Senegal)
Another tough one here, and another clawed from Aston Villa. The tenacious Senegalese central midfielder is quite well known for being Everton's version of N'Golo Kante, or a poor mans version, but the former Villa man has been excellent since Everton's hiring of Koeman, and is one of the best valued at just £7m in cost. With a tackle success of 74%, he ranks above all Everton midfielders this season. But he again will need to step up his performance if the Toffees are to finish respectably this season.
Huddersfield Town - ZANKA (Denmark)
With a combined 156 clearances in his 15 games which make him the 8th highest in the Premier League, the Danish centre back has been solid as Wagner's men have completed some shock results in their debut season at the top level. Mathias Jørgensen, going by his nickname, arrived from FC Copenhagen in the summer, and has taken the place of club cult hero Michael Hefele and has fulfilled his place excellently playing in every minute of league football this season.
Leicester City - Christian FUCHS (Austria)
The left back was a mainstay in the title winning XI of 15/16, and has continued his consistency in the next two seasons. Of course they have the young Ben Chilwell who is coming through but he is yet to establish the consistency that Fuchs has kept ever since his move in 2015. He's started all of Claude Puel's Premier League games in charge of Leicester too, meaning the impression made on the new manager is obviously positive. Although his stats are not as prominent, he has always appeared to be on the team sheet every game and has never made any glaring errors which have led to goals, meaning defensively he is sound.
Liverpool F.C. - Roberto FIRMINO (Brazil)
A strikers' job is to score goals, right? Well, the Brazilian has hit 11 in all competitions this season, including a double against Brighton yesterday, but the criticism of the silky former Hoffenheim man is that he doesn't score enough goals. But the fact is he has been involved in 18 goals this season, more than reputable hitmen Morata, Lukaku and Aguero. And with a little Egyptian such as Mo Salah in the form of his life, is there any need for a 25 goal season for Firmino? Is there a need for a 20-goal striker if you have a 20 goal winger? The Brazilian is considered lesser than Coutinho, Mane, and Salah in terms of valuablity but he is what epitomises the heavy metal Jurgen Klopp style. For me, as a Liverpool supporter, he is our best player and would make the biggest impact if he wasn't there.
If you enjoyed part 1, part 2 will be out soon in the Sporting Lowdown advent calendar. Any opinions and criticism is very much appreciated!
Chris :)
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