Players I Think Aren't Spoken About Enough

 Players I Think Arent Spoken About Enough

Football is packed with big-name stars, but there are many talented players who don’t always get the recognition they deserve. In this article, I’m focusing on players under 25 who consistently stand out with their performances but often fly under the radar. These talents are making important contributions to their teams and have the potential to make a big impact, yet they aren’t always in the spotlight. I’ll be highlighting their skills and why they deserve more attention in the world of football.

Goalkeeper: Noah Atubolu

Club: Freiburg

Age: 22

Choosing the goalkeeper for this list was a tough decision, Lille’s Lucas Chevalier being a top talent who i originally considered. However, due to Chevalier’s standout performances in the Champions League, including his incredible Man of the Match display against Real Madrid and Lille’s progress to the knockout stages, he has already gained significant recognition on the global stage. For that reason, I’ve opted for Noah Atubolu as my choice. The 22-year-old German/Nigerian goalkeeper has been exceptional for Freiburg this season, recording 10 clean sheets in the Bundesliga so far.

Atubolu has been with Freiburg since 2015, progressing through their youth system before making his first-team debut in the Bundesliga in 2023 against Hoffenheim. He’s represented Germany at youth levels from U16 to U21, but due to his Nigerian heritage, he remains eligible to represent them as well.

A modern goalkeeper, Atubolu stands out for his quick reflexes, excellent shot-stopping ability, and confidence when playing out from the back. He excels in one-on-one situations, commands his box effectively, and has a solid record when it comes to saving penalties. Known for his calm leadership, he has even captained Germany’s U21s. While there’s room for improvement in his long-range passing and decision-making, his talent and maturity make him a strong contender for Germany’s future, potentially following in the footsteps of Marc-André ter Stegen and Manuel Neuer.

Left Back:

Tyrick Mitchell

Club: Crystal Palace

Age: 25

Tyrick Mitchell is an English Left Back, who is a product of the Crystal Palace academy, and who now is a mainstay in the first team. At the time of writing, Mitchell sits only second behind Palace maverick Ebereche Eze in terms of assists in Crystal Palace’s squad. He also ranks third for minutes played in Palace's squad this season, highlighting his importance under Oliver Glasner.

Tyrick Mitchell came through Crystal Palace’s academy, and eventually made his first team debut VS Leicester in 2020 playing only 7 minutes off the bench, and a few weeks later did the same against Man United. Towards the end of the 2019/20, he was given the opportunity to play full 90 mins in the last 2 games of the season that he became Palace’s undisputed first choice Left Back the following season

Tyrick Mitchell is an athletic left-back who leans heavily on his defensive strengths. He's highly regarded for his sharp tackling, strong 1v1 defending, and smart reading of the game. While many modern day full-backs focus on getting forward to help their team in an attacking sense, Mitchell typically holds his position defensively, demonstrating his reliability and consistency. When Oliver Glasner was appointed as Crystal Palace manager, he shifted the team's system to a back 3 with wingbacks. Whilst many thought this new system wouldn't suit Mitchell, he adapted his game to become more dynamic. Mitchell ranks 2nd in Palace’s squad for xA only behind dynamic forward Ismaila Sarr.

Centre Back: Willian Pacho

Club: PSG

Age: 23

For my first centre-back pick, I’ve gone with Ecuadorian defender Willian Pacho. He’s been outstanding for PSG during their 2024/25 title-winning season and has played a vital role in their run to the Champions League semi-finals. Despite being surrounded by big-name stars, Pacho has quietly become a key figure in Luis Enrique’s backline.

Pacho began his journey at Ecuador’s renowned Independiente del Valle academy, which has produced top talents like Moisés Caicedo, Piero Hincapié, and Kendry Páez. In 2022, he made the move to Royal Antwerp in Belgium, where he quickly became a crucial part of Mark van Bommel’s team, helping them to a historic domestic double. His performances earned him a transfer to Eintracht Frankfurt in 2023, where he continued to impress. By 2024, PSG invested €40 million to bring him to Paris, seeing his potential as a long-term defensive leader.

A left-footed centre-back, Pacho is known for his composure, strong tackling, aerial presence, and physical attributes. His pace and athleticism allow him to cover ground quickly, making him especially effective in high defensive lines. His style has drawn comparisons to Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhães due to his aggressive yet controlled approach. Luis Enrique has shown great trust in him, starting him in all of PSG’s Champions League matches. Statistically, Pacho backs up his performances, ranking in at least the 83rd percentile among defenders in Europe’s top five leagues for tackles in all thirds of the pitch. He’s a complete modern centre-back who still isn’t talked about enough.

Centre Back: Illia Zabarnyi

Club: Bournemouth

Age: 22

While Dean Huijsen is one of the most talked-about young defenders in Europe right now, drawing attention from top clubs like Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Chelsea, I believe his Bournemouth teammate Illia Zabarnyi deserves more recognition. Though Huijsen may be the more naturally gifted prospect, Zabarnyi is, in my view, the stronger and more reliable defender at this stage and far less spoken about than he should be.

Zabarnyi came through the Dynamo Kyiv academy, which has produced stars like Andriy Shevchenko. He made a name for himself early, featuring in both the UEFA Champions League and Europa League, and playing five matches for Ukraine at Euro 2020. In January 2023, he signed for Bournemouth in a £24 million deal, bringing with him a wealth of experience for someone so young.

Since joining the Premier League, Zabarnyi has been a consistent performer, already making over 70 appearances for Bournemouth. Defensively, he stands out with his strong positioning, sharp anticipation, and ability to read the game. He averages over five clearances and more than half a blocked shot per 90 minutes, numbers that place him among the Premier League’s top-performing defenders. Calm under pressure and mature beyond his years, Zabarnyi is the kind of centre-back who quietly gets the job done, making him one of the league's most underrated young players.

Right Back: Omar El Hilali

Club: Espanyol

Age: 21

Omar El Hilali is a Moroccan-Spanish right back who has quietly become one of the most impressive young defenders in Europe. A product of the Espanyol academy, he has already earned full international caps for Morocco and, unlike the more attacking styles of fellow Moroccan right-backs Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui, El Hilali is known for his solid, no-nonsense defending. He’s even drawn interest from top clubs like Arsenal and Barcelona in recent years.

Primarily a right-back, El Hilali has also filled in at centre-back and left-back, though his real strength lies in his consistent performances rather than versatility alone. He’s a modern full-back with a strong defensive foundation, known for his energy, composure, and excellent reading of the game. While he doesn't play with the same attacking flair as others in his position, he supports forward play through smart overlapping runs and accurate deliveries when needed. His style is built on discipline, reliability, and a strong understanding of defensive responsibilities.

Espanyol’s return to La Liga was expected to be a struggle, but they’ve defied expectations and currently sit safely mid-table. A big reason for their success is their defensive resilience, with El Hilali playing a key role. He ranks first among U21 players in Europe for tackles and leads all full-backs in Europe’s top seven leagues for possession recoveries and defensive duels won. His numbers back up what you see on the pitch: a calm, determined defender who’s quietly becoming one of the most dependable young full-backs in Europe.

Defensive Midfield: Boubacar Kamara

Club: Aston Villa

Age: 25

Boubacar Kamara is my pick for the defensive midfield role, and in my opinion, he’s one of the most underrated players in world football, not just the Premier League. Calm, intelligent, and consistent, Kamara brings a quiet authority to the midfield and deserves far more recognition, especially from Europe’s elite clubs.

Born in Marseille, Kamara joined the Olympique de Marseille academy at the age of five. Though he was initially developed as a centre-back, his game-reading ability, positional intelligence, and composure made him a natural fit for defensive midfield. He made his senior debut in 2016 and quickly became a mainstay in the team. In 2022, he moved to Aston Villa on a free transfer and has flourished under Unai Emery’s system. Though eligible to represent Senegal through his father, Kamara opted to play for France and made his senior international debut in 2022.

Kamara’s defensive background shines through in his play as a midfielder. He’s excellent at reading the game, breaking up attacks with well-timed interceptions and tackles, and protecting the backline with great discipline. On the ball, he’s calm and assured, often making the right pass whether it’s a simple short option or a longer switch to change the point of attack. His decision-making and ball retention make him vital to Villa’s buildup and control of games. Despite his low profile, Kamara is central to Aston Villa’s success and deserves far more credit for the role he plays week in, week out.

Central Midfielder: Andrey Santos

Club: Strasbourg (on loan from Chelsea)

Age: 20

Andrey Santos is one of the most impressive young midfielders in Europe this season. Currently on loan at Strasbourg from Chelsea, the Brazilian has been a standout performer in Ligue 1, playing a key role in the club’s unexpected push for a top-four finish. Despite being just 20 years old, he’s captained the side, underlining his maturity and the trust placed in him by manager Liam Rosenior.

Chelsea signed Santos from Vasco da Gama in January 2022 for £12.5 million, recognising his potential early on. After initial work permit issues, he returned to Brazil on loan before rejoining Chelsea in mid-2023. A brief, less successful stint at Nottingham Forest followed, but it was his move to Strasbourg that truly unlocked his form. Since arriving in France, he’s quickly established himself as a central figure in the midfield.

Santos is a well-rounded, modern central midfielder with a mix of composure, physicality, and intelligence. He reads the game well, is strong in both ground and aerial duels, and progresses the ball with confidence. What makes him especially exciting is his ability to contribute goals from midfield, scoring nine times in the league this season. He combines technical quality with leadership, and his performances have shown exactly why Chelsea view him as a future star.

Attacking Midfielder: Oihan Sancet

Club: Athletic Club (Bilbao)

Age: 24

Oihan Sancet is a highly effective and underrated attacking midfielder who has quietly become one of the best goal-scoring midfielders in Europe. A key figure in Athletic Club’s strong La Liga campaign and Europa League push this season, Sancet has been central to their success with his consistent performances and knack for finding the net.

Sancet joined Athletic Club’s famed Lezama academy in 2015 from Osasuna and made his first-team debut in the 2019/20 season against a Barcelona side featuring big names like Luis Suárez and Antoine Griezmann. Since then, he’s developed into one of the club’s most important players, making over 180 appearances and becoming a regular starter.

Unlike the typical Spanish midfielder known for finesse and passing, Sancet brings a more physical, direct presence in the final third. He thrives as a second striker or advanced midfielder, using his strength, timing, and movement to crash the box and score goals. His aerial ability and instincts in front of goal set him apart. He ranks among the very best in Europe for non-penalty goals and has scored 15 times in La Liga this season. Sancet’s profile is unique, and with performances like these, he’s more than earned a place in conversations about Europe’s top midfielders.

Left Winger: Alberto Moleiro

Club: Las Palmas

Age: 21

On the left wing, I’ve chosen Spanish talent Alberto Moleiro, one of the most exciting young attacking players in Europe right now. Wearing the number 10 shirt for Las Palmas, Moleiro has been turning heads with his performances in La Liga, and it feels like only a matter of time before a bigger club comes calling.

Moleiro began his youth career at CD Sobradillo before joining Las Palmas' academy in 2018. He progressed quickly through the ranks, making his senior debut at just 17 in a Segunda División match against Real Valladolid. He scored his first professional goal a few weeks later and has since become a key figure in helping Las Palmas stay competitive in Spain’s top flight.

Moleiro’s game is built on technical excellence. He’s a creative, intelligent dribbler with great close control, often operating in the left half-space where he can pick out smart passes or drive forward with the ball. His low centre of gravity, quick feet, and ability to glide past defenders have drawn comparisons to Pedri—another Las Palmas graduate. Whether it’s threading a pass, carrying the ball through tight spaces, or creating chances out of nothing, Moleiro brings flair and unpredictability every time he plays.

Centre Forward: Emmanuel Emegha

Club: Strasbourg

Age: 22

Emmanuel Emegha has really caught the eye this season at Strasbourg. With 14 goals and 3 assists so far, he’s been one of the standout forwards in Ligue 1. His performances have earned interest from top clubs like Chelsea and Crystal Palace, and it’s easy to see why. Emegha looks like one of Europe’s next breakout strikers.

Emegha’s journey has taken him through several clubs and leagues. He started out at KRSV Vredenburch before joining Sparta Rotterdam, where he made his pro debut in 2020. A short and difficult spell at Royal Antwerp followed, but a move to Sturm Graz in Austria saw him regain form, scoring 9 goals in one season. That led to a €13 million transfer to Strasbourg in the summer of 2023, where he has since flourished.

On the pitch, Emegha is a powerful and direct striker. He’s tall, quick, and strong, making him a real handful for defenders. His movement and acceleration often catch opponents off guard, and he’s shown a natural instinct in front of goal, converting chances with impressive efficiency. Though still developing areas like link-up play and pressing, Emegha’s raw physical tools and improving finishing make him an exciting young striker with big potential.

Right Winger: Maghnes Akliouche

Club: Monaco

Age: 23

Maghnes Akliouche has quietly become one of the most effective creators in Ligue 1 this season. The French-Algerian winger or attacking midfielder has recorded 10 assists so far, joint-highest in the league at the time of writing. He’s also made his mark in the Champions League, including a key goal against Barcelona in Monaco’s 2-1 win.

Born in Tremblay-en-France in 2002, Akliouche started playing football at the age of six. His early promise saw him progress through clubs like Villemomble Sports and US Torcy before earning a place at the prestigious INF Clairefontaine academy. He joined Monaco’s youth system in 2017, eventually breaking into the first team in 2021 and signing his first professional contract in 2022.

Akliouche is a technically gifted and intelligent attacker. He’s mainly used on the right wing but is comfortable playing centrally as well. His close control, sharp dribbling, and vision make him a real creative threat in the final third. He’s calm under pressure and can unlock defences with a clever pass or movement. While not overly flashy, his consistency, versatility, and footballing IQ make him one of the most underrated young playmakers in Europe right now.

In this article, I’ve tried to shine a light on some of those names who dont quite get the recognition they deserve. Whether they’re anchoring a midfield, leading from the back, or creating magic in the final third, these players have shown quality, consistency, and potential that warrants more attention.

Of course, opinions in football are subjective, and not everyone will agree with every pick, but that’s part of what makes the game so great. These are players I genuinely believe have flown under the radar and deserve more credit for their contributions. Hopefully, this piece gives you a few names to watch more closely, and maybe even sparks a few debates of your own.

Thanks for reading.