Best Players Outside the “Top Six” in the Premier League

The Premier League is one of the most watched and global leagues in the World. The usual “top six”, or the teams that finished in the top six places in the 18/19 campaign, (Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United) usually get most of the spotlight in terms of the media and television, however there is a lot of quality outside of those teams. There’s a lot of talent not at the usual top six clubs that sometimes don’t get the recognition they deserve. So, I decided to look at some players from “the best of the rest”.

Jamie Vardy – Leicester

Jamie Vardy’s having a party! For the first name on the list, I could look no further than Mr. Vardy. The Englishman has constantly been banging goals for Leicester, since their promotion to the Premier League in 2014. The Premier League winner has scored over 100 goals for the foxes and doesn’t necessarily get the spotlight he deserves, as he does not play for a “top six” team. The spearhead of Brendan Rogers’ Leicester side, Vardy has started the season in red hot form with 6 goals in 9 games this season. Not many defenders can deal with the 32-year old’s blistering pace and explosive finishing and it looks like Vardy has no intention of stopping anytime soon.

Raul Jimenez – Wolves

Wolves paid Benfica £30 million for Raul Jimenez to make his loan move permanent after a brilliant first season, scoring 17 goals and producing 7 assists. The Mexican international is a key figure in an exciting Wolves side, with his superb link-up play and defensive contribution. The 28-year-old is one of the hardest working strikers in the Premier League and has a brilliant end product to match. Jimenez has already bagged in 9 goals in 17 appearances this season and will look to add more.

Nathan Ake – Bournemouth

The former Chelsea trainee has been one of the standout players in a young and hungry Bournemouth team. Nathan Ake has been a constant in Eddie Howe’s side, catching the eye with his impressive displays. What stands out about the Dutch International for me is how comfortable he is on the ball, whilst being able to defend very well. Ake also has an eye for goals, scoring 4 last year for the Cherries. The 24-year-old is arguably the best playing defender outside of the usual “top six” clubs and I don’t believe it will be long before a top European club snaps him up.

Richarlison – Everton

At just 22 years of age, Richarlison is one of the hottest talents in the Premier League. The Brazillan forward scored 14 goals in his first season for Everton, fitting in seamlessly. Richarlison is quick, strong and direct making him a problem for defenders to deal with. His finishing is very accomplished for a 22-year-old and is arguably Everton’s best player. Richarlison has scored 6 goals in 13 appearances for the national team and the young forward will only improve within time.

James Maddison – Leicester

James Maddison was signed for £22.5million from Norwich last season, but that transfer fee seems like a bargain now. He is now arguably England’s most creative midfielder with 7 goals and 7 assists in all competitions last year. He is another player from Brendan Rogers’ impressive Leicester side, who has started the season in a rich vein of form with 2 goals 2 assists so far. Maddison is just 22 years of age and many people are saying he is the answer to England’s creativity problem. This remains to be seen, however, the big clubs are looking at the Englishman, with rumored moves to Manchester United and Liverpool.

Wilfred Zaha – Crystal Palace

The best player outside the “top six” in my opinion is the incomparable Wilfred Zaha. His unpredictable trickery, speed, and agility make him top of my list. The Ivorian’s dribbling ability is amongst the best in the world, making him a joy to watch but a nightmare to play against. Zaha had his most productive season with 10 goals and 5 assists at the focal point of Crystal Palace’s attack, which led to Arsenal bidding £40 million for him in the summer but the move did not materialise. I mean £40 million Arsenal, really?? Everton came close to Palace’s valuation of Zaha with a £55 million bid, but this still wasn’t enough. I believe Zaha’s move to Manchester United in 2013 was too early in his career, however, he is now ready for a top English side and to prove himself as one of Europe’s elite payers.