Reminiscent to all other fields, some athletes’ achievements can be overblown with fans and observers alike highlighting their prowess a bit more than necessary. But for every overhyped star, one or more underappreciated players can be found. These are the silent soldiers who often don’t receive the recognition they deserve. So let’s take a look at the Top 10 underrated Serie A players based on our own humble opinion.
10- Sasa Lukic (Torino)
Patizan Belgrade has to be one of the best academies in Eastern Europe when it comes to producing young stars. But we mention current Serie A players who developed within the ranks of the Serbian giants, the first names that come to mind are Dusan Vlahovic and his his former Fiorentina teammate Nikola Milenkovic.
However, Sasa Lukic deserves to be recognized on the same list. The Torino star has been slowly but surely developing into one of the most complete midfielders in the league.
Although his recent brace against Spezia gained him some attention, the 25-year-old has been overlooked for the majority of the campaign.
9- Adam Marusic (Lazio)
Since joining Lazio in 2017, Adam Marusic has been one of the most loyal servants in Rome’s blue and white army.
The Montenegro international is a hard worker who can contribute on both ends of the pitch. At the start of the campaign, Maurizio Sarri had elected him ahead of Manuel Lazzari at right-back.
But even when the Italian deservedly won a spot in the starting formation, Marusic managed to solve the manager’s problem by putting solid shifts at his less-customary left-back role.
His importance to the cause can be undermined at times.
8- Matteo Darmian (Inter)
As one would notice, underrated fullbacks/wingbacks is a recurring on this list. Perhaps this role is underrated in general and not exclusively in Serie A.
In any case, Matteo Darmian is another soldier who’s able to put convincing displays whether on the right flank or the left wing, supporting his team when going forward before tracking back to help his teammates at the back.
The former Manchester United man is often considered as a stopgap in Inter’s star-studded squad, but there are many top sides who desire a player of his capabilities.
7- Jerdy Schouten (Bologna)
When you play in the middle of the park for a mid-table side with no European aspirations nor relegation threats, it’s easy to get lost in the fold.
Perhaps that’s the case of Jerdy Schouten who might arguably be one of the most underrated Registas in Serie A. The Dutch is often overshadowed by his midfield partners at Bologna (Roberto Soriano and Matias Svanberg) but the 25-year-old is the one who keeps it ticking for the Rossoblu.
6- Mergim Vojvoda (Torino)
At Torino, the young Wilfried Singo and the impressive Ola Aina are arguably considered as the best two wingbacks at the club. Nevertheless, Mergim Vojvoda still deserves some love.
The 27-year-old is excellent when going forward, and has a terrific crossing ability. Let’s see if the Kosovan can get the recognition that he deserves with the Granata or takes his business elsewhere.
5- Juan Cuadrado (Juventus)
When it comes to Juan Cuadrado, we’re talking about one of the most celebrated wingers in Serie A over the last decade with memorable stints at Lecce, Udinese, Fiorentina and currently at Juventus.
So why is La Vespa on the underrated list?
Simply put, the Colombian’s impact at the Bianconeri is often overlooked in favor of others (the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain). During his time at Turin, his heroics salvaged the team on numerous occasions throughout the years, and yet, he was never considered to be an A-lister.
Maybe it’s because of his advanced age of the fact that his position on the pitch varies with every match, but one thing is for sure, Cuadrado deserves more credit than he received for his role in the Old Lady’s achievements during the past years.
4- Mario Rui (Napoli)
Since the beginning of Faouzi Ghoulam’s never-ending injury troubles, the vast majority of observers agreed on Napoli’s urging need for a new left-back.
For one reason or another, the Partenopei management has refused to heed the call. Hence, the much-maligned Mario Rui continues to serve as the club’s ultimate choice for the role.
Unfortunately for the former Empoli man, he has been harshly treated by the club’s supporters who continuously berated him for his shortcomings.
But truth to be told, the Portuguese is far from being a terrible player, despite his technical limitations. This man puts hard-working shifts every time his steps on the pitch, and often covers for Lorenzo Insigne when the latter fails to track back while occasionally providing the forwards with decent crosses.
He’s not that bad, after all. (But seriously, Napoli SHOULD consider buying a new left-back at some point in the near future).
3- Maxime Lopez (Sassuolo)
When the upcoming summer transfer market opens its door, the big Serie A boys will definitely try their luck for some of the talented young players who ply their trade at Sassuolo.
The Emilians possess a host of possible future stars, including the likes of Giacomo Raspadori, Gianluca Scamacca, Davide Frattesi and Hamed Junior Traorè.
However, there’s a name that has been lost in the equation. We’re talking about Maxime Lopez, who has arguably been the architect for the Neroverdi’s exploits in the middle of the park.
The former Olympique Marseille man is still 24 years of age, and would be a great profile for any top side that is looking to bolster its midfield.
2- Gianluca Caprari (Verona)
After struggling to find a footing in Serie A, Gianluca Caprari has cemented himself as one of the best second strikers in the country since joining Verona last summer. He has already contributed in 11 goals and seven assists.
Yet, the 28-year-old is still somewhat an afterthought for Calcio observes. Despite his magnificent stats this season, Roberto Mancini denied a him a call for Italy’s ill-fated World Cup Playoffs last March, and few made a fuss about it.
But if he continues to deliver the goods for the Gialloblu, it would be incredibly hard to deny him the chance to feature for the Azzurri in the future.
1- Davide Calabria (Milan)
After rising through Milan’s youth ranks, Davide Calabria’s path hasn’t always been easy with the first team.
Slowly but surely, Stefano Pioli managed to forge a fabulous right-back. Speed, stamina, Grinta and the ability to drive forward, the 25-year-old simply possesses all the right tools required for a modern fullback.
Although he’s not as explosive as his teammate Theo Hernandez, the Italian is more well-rounded. Thus, it’s odd to see him overlooked in favor of others when it comes to the national team – including Alessandro Florenzi who happens to be his understudy at Milan!
For these reasons and others, Calabria might arguably be one of the most underrated players, not only in Serie A, but in European football.