Every Premier League season is packed with drama—highlight-reel goals, viral celebrations, and headline-making performances. But beyond the spotlight, there’s a quieter narrative unfolding: players who consistently deliver without the fanfare. Whether it’s steady defensive work, key passes, or tactical discipline, these underrated contributors play a vital role in their teams’ success. And for those following soccer betting news, overlooking them can mean missing key value in the market.
In this article, we highlight five Premier League players who may not grab headlines but are making a big impact. We’ll explore how their performances influence both match outcomes and betting angles—offering insights that go beyond the obvious when crafting smarter soccer betting predictions.
Jacob Murphy: A Newcastle Comeback Worth Watching
There was a time when many thought Jacob Murphy’s time at Newcastle was over. But under Eddie Howe, the winger has completely flipped the narrative. He’s racked up 8 goals and 11 assists this season, quietly becoming one of the Magpies’ most productive players.
While much of the focus has been on Isak’s red-hot form, Murphy’s ability to provide consistent service and pace out wide has helped Newcastle stay in the European competition mix. If you’re hunting value picks or looking at player props on the weekend slate, Murphy’s name deserves a second look.
For those keeping up with soccer betting predictions, he’s the kind of player who turns close matches into winners—especially when facing teams that struggle with wide defensive cover.
Ezri Konsa: The Rock at the Back for Villa
While attackers grab the headlines, defenders like Ezri Konsa quietly rack up match-saving performances. Playing nearly 50 games across all competitions, Konsa has anchored Aston Villa’s backline with reliability that rarely gets discussed beyond Villa Park.
Aston Villa might not be guaranteed to always provide Champions League level football, but they’ve held their own thanks to defensive structure—and Konsa’s been at the heart of it. He’s no longer just a prospect; he’s one of the most consistent centre-backs in the league.
In terms of soccer betting insights, Konsa’s presence matters. Villa have hit the under in many of their tight matchups this year—especially at home – and his reading of the game is a big reason why.
Alex Iwobi: Fulham’s Underrated Engine
Alex Iwobi has gone from being destined for Arsenal to becoming an Everton workhorse – and now Fulham’s key man—and it’s at Craven Cottage where he’s truly found his rhythm. Nine goals across competitions and regular involvement in the build-up make him a critical piece in Fulham’s European push.
While Fulham don’t dominate the airwaves, headlines or social media, they’ve become a tricky side for anyone to face. Iwobi is one of the reasons, his ability to cover ground, win the ball, and still offer an attacking threat gives the team flexibility.
From a betting perspective, Iwobi is the type of player who doesn’t always show up in headline stats but is central to Fulham’s game script. He affects possession, tempo, and transitions—elements that matter when placing in-play bets or sizing up over/under markets.
Jørgen Strand Larsen: Wolves’ Quiet Saviour
New league. New pressure. Same results. Jørgen Strand Larsen has bagged 13 league goals in his first Premier League season, leading a Wolves side that’s clawed its way to mid-table safety.
While much of the media buzz has gone elsewhere, Larsen’s been steady. He’s passed the eye test with smart movement, cool finishing, and a willingness to battle defenders every week.
He may not have a fan army yet (give him time – he’s only 25), but for those plugged into soccer betting news, his impact is real. Wolves’ goal-scoring record has improved notably, and they’ve become a go-to team for those looking to back BTTS (both teams to score) wagers—thanks in large part to Larsen’s presence up front.
Mikkel Damsgaard: A Comeback Season in the Making
Mikkel Damsgaard turned heads during Euro 2020, but injuries nearly derailed the momentum. Now fully fit and firing for Brentford, he’s quietly become one of the league’s most effective creators.
Ten assists in the Premier League speak for themselves. His link-up play with the likes of Ivan Toney and Bryan Mbeumo has added a new layer to Brentford’s attacking shape. He’s also one of the better set-piece takers outside the “big six.”
He’s the type of player you don’t want to overlook when digging through the weekend slate for player assist props or first-half goal lines. And if you’re tracking movement in betting odds, Damsgaard’s availability tends to push Brentford’s price toward the sharper side.
Why These Players Matter for Bettors
Understanding team dynamics is key to building smarter wagers. That’s where underrated players come in. They’re often priced lower in player markets and overlooked in broader betting lines. But if you’ve been following soccer betting news this season, you’ll know how much impact these players have had.
Midfielders like Iwobi and Damsgaard shape the flow of the game. Murphy and Larsen determine scoring output. Konsa keeps games tight and leans match totals toward the under. These are subtle but powerful insights that casual bettors often miss.
And if you’re hunting for a platform that lets you back your reads with confidence, FanDuel Sportsbook offers deep EPL markets—from goal scorers to possession props and live odds tracking that adjusts with every match twist.
Trends Worth Tracking for the Rest of the Season
If you’re serious about building smarter bets, here are a few trends to keep an eye on:
- Underdog Overs: Teams like Fulham and Wolves have been hitting the over more often than expected when facing stronger sides,
- First Goal Markets: Newcastle, thanks to Murphy and Isak, tend to start fast at home. That’s a market worth exploring,
- Assist Props: Players like Damsgaard are under-the-radar in assist markets. These are often mispriced,
- Clean Sheet Potential: Konsa’s influence on Villa’s defensive shape gives their keeper a good shot at clean sheets, especially against mid-tier teams.
Each of these trends is backed by data. But more importantly, they’re driven by performances from underrated players—not just the stars with massive transfer fees and weekly headlines.
Closing the Gap Between the Field and the Bet Slip
The EPL is full of flash. But beneath the surface is where the smart angles lie. Following players like Murphy, Konsa, Iwobi, Larsen, and Damsgaard gives you more than just conversation points—it gives you betting leverage.
If you’re keeping up with soccer betting predictions, staying clued into soccer betting insights, or just tracking sharp angles on form and fitness, then understanding the real impact of underrated players will keep your edge sharper than the public’s.
So the next time you’re building a parlay, scanning a live match, or debating over an in-game wager—look past the big names. There’s value hiding in plain sight.