Take a look at those athletes who are not very famous but have super abilities in the world football world

In world football, many players are "invisible" and powerful because of their playing for non-hero teams, low-key positions or lack of media exposure. Their abilities are often recognized by fans and data analysts, but they rarely make headlines. The following are some typical examples (as of the 2023-24 season):

1. The "Invisible Engine" of the Midfielder

João Palhinha (Fulham/Portugal)

Premier League steal king (148 steals in 2022-23, first in the five major leagues), with a strong defensive coverage and top interception ability, but it is often overlooked because of playing for the mid-range team Fulham.

Edson Álvarez (West Ham United/Mexico)

Former Ajax midfielder, with both interception, shot and confrontation, averaged more than 8 times per game, and was called a "midfield scavenger", but he was rarely discussed for his low-key style.

Florian Wirtz (Leverkusen/Germany) Although he is regarded as a new star, his attention has decreased after returning due to serious injury. He averaged 3.1 key passes per game in the 2023-24 season, with a dribbling success rate of over 70%, making him one of the most comprehensive offensive organizers in the Bundesliga.

2. The defense "Standard Needle"

Milan Škriniar (Paris Saint-Germain/Slovakia)

In Inter Milan, his single defense ability (per-game clearances, 75% success rate) was the top Serie A, but was underestimated due to injuries and transfer storms.

Robin Le Normand (Real Sociedad/France)

One of the most stable central defenders in La Liga, with a pass success rate of 92% and an air-to-air winning rate of 80%, but has never been selected for the French national team.

Daley Blind (Gerona/Netherlands)

Although he is over 30 years old, he has become the core of Girona's 2023-24 La Liga Dark Horse Miracle with his top prediction and passing ability (6 long passes per game, with a success rate of 85%).

3. The "nameless killer" on the wing

Ales Berenguer (Álex Berenguer, Athletic Bilbao/Spain)

The most underrated winger in La Liga, contributed 12 goals and 7 assists in the 2023-24 season, and his incisive shooting efficiency is comparable to that of the top stars, but he has rarely been paid attention to because of the closed nature of the Basque team.

Jeremie Frimpong (Leverkusen/Netherlands)

The fastest wingback in the Bundesliga (sprint speed 36.5km/h), averaged 3.8 times + assists per game, but due to the limitations of the "three central defender system" that has not been competed for by the giants.

Anthony Gordon (Newcastle/England)

Average 2.5 key passes + 1.3 times in the 2023-24 season, and his offense and defense efficiency surpassed most Premier League wingers, but he was underestimated because of his non-traditional background.

4. The "cold-faced terminator" on the front line

Artem Dovbyk (Gerona/Ukraine)

Score 24 goals in the 2023-24 season, with a header success rate of 75%, and a shooting conversion rate of more than 30% (higher than Haaland), but playing for non-hero teams has limited fame.

Lucas Thuram (Inter Milan/France)

Different from his younger brother Turam Jr., he has a strong role as a center forward (5 tops per game + 8 assists), but he is often classified as a "system player".

Sheraldo Becker (United States of Berlin/Netherlands)

One of the most cost-effective strikers in the Bundesliga, with speed, breakthrough and counterattack efficiency (1.2 threatening shots per game) comparable to the top winger, but the overall strength of the team limits his exposure.

5. Goalkeeper "Wall of Sighs"

Hugo Lloris (Los Angeles FC/France)

Although he was the captain of France, Tottenham Hotspur was underestimated later due to the team's downturn. The 2023 World Cup save success rate is 79%, and it is still the top goalkeeper level.

Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid/Slovenia)

The data has shrunk due to Atletico Madrid's defensive decline in recent years, but the reaction speed and one-to-one saves (career save rate of 77%) are still among the top five in the world.

Mike Maignan (AC Milan/France)

is called "invisible goalkeeper" by fans. The 2023-24 Serie A save success rate is 82%, and the accuracy of long passes is comparable to that of midfielders, but the media attention is far lower than that of Courtois.

Why are they underestimated?

Team Platform: Playing for teams that are not big or five major leagues, lacking exposure to the Champions League.

Position functionality: Defensive midfielder, engineer sideback and other characters are difficult to get the data halo.

Injury/Age: If Werz returns after serious injury, he needs to prove himself again.

National team competition: France and Brazil and other national teams with overcapacity often have strong players.

The value of these players is often reflected in high-level data (such as expected assists xG, number of compressions) and tactical adaptability. They may not have the halo of the Golden Globes, but they are the "system cornerstone" in the coach's mind.