Every season, many players dominate the headlines and receive plaudits for their performances. From Jake Young’s current breakthrough campaign, Abo Eisa’s revival to Elliot Lee’s persistent brilliance, the opening seven games have seen some names gain widespread acclaim. But across these seven match-days, which players have gone under the radar?
The term “underrated” is an interesting topic across all levels of football, it is most often used to describe a player of which numbers and statistics do not quite tell the full story of, or those who do not receive the same media praise as others. In addition, the line between a player being considered “underrated” to fairly or over-rated is usually thin as names can quickly gain traction through social media.
Therefore, I have tasked myself with identifying performers across League One and League Two that have not quite received the praise they deserve by neutrals and media outlets.
With that being said, let’s take a look at seven players from League One and League Two that deserve more plaudits for their starts to the campaign.
Ollie Arblaster – Port Vale
Kicking off the list is the on-loan maestro, Ollie Arblaster.
The England youth international has taken his first step into EFL football as he joined Port Vale on loan from Sheffield United in order to play regularly at first-team level.
He has been highly rated in The Blades’ academy ranks for years and has made a brilliant first impression in his first EFL loan spell, winning The Valiants’ Player of the Month award for August.
Arblaster is an incredible talent, with quality both on and off the ball. He has proven to be a true gem in the opening month of the campaign – being a standout player for Crosby’s men with Arblaster’s starring when it comes to Port Vale’s chance creation, interceptions and dribbling stats. There is no doubt the player will continue to grow throughout the season.
Only 19, the only question is just how far can the Englishman go? The sky remains the limit, I believe he will be playing Championship football within 12 months time.
Harvey Rodgers – Grimsby Town
Having signed a three-year deal with the Lincolnshire club, Harvey Rodgers has struck an excellent partnership with Niall Maher and Tobias Mullarkey as The Mariners boast the third best defensive record in the division while keeping the second most clean sheets in League Two.
Many Mariners fans will agree that the former Accrington man has proven to be their most consistent performer so far this season. He displays every quality you would like in a defender, an imposing aerial presence within both boxes whilst also showing willingness to distribute or carry the ball through opposition lines with a great amount of comfort.
Ranking third in the division for defensive duals won – behind his partner Niall Maher – Mariners fans will be hoping that on a three-year contract, Rodgers will be a continuous stalwart in their defence for many seasons to come.
Jack Powell – Crewe Alexandra
There were many players I could have picked from The Cheshire club for this list, but the former Crawley man is my choice.
Crewe have performed against many neutral’s expectations this season and I believe Jack Powell has been one of the most pivotal figures to their early-season form.
One of the best midfield controllers in the division with a great creative output and a brilliant range of passing – ranking the highest amongst The Railwaymen’s long and short passing statistics.
Many Crawley fans were disappointed to lose Powell in the summer and it is no surprise to see why, he has proven to be a real coup for his new club.
Emile Acquah – Barrow
In a front line containing two big names in Dominic Telford and Jamie Proctor, 23-year-old Emile Acquah is complimentary to both his Barrow teammates.
A willing, mobile channel runner with great physical attributes and ability to hold up the ball, Acquah has been one of the most underrated pick-ups in the division.
Partnered by Dom Telford who has proven to be one of the most dangerous poachers at this level, I believe their attributes are complimentary enough to be one of the best striker partnerships in the division.
Still only 23 years of age, I also think it is only a matter of time before Acquah plays at a higher level, he is certainly one to watch as the season goes on.
Will Norris – Portsmouth
Now remaining the only undefeated side in the third tier with the best defensive record in the entire EFL, a huge part of Portsmouth’s success has been down to a solid spine and a reliable number one in Will Norris.
Joining from Burnley, the shot-stopper has made pivotal saves to maintain Pompey’s unbeaten start with four clean sheets, only two conceded alongside displaying some excellent distribution both long and short.
Facing 19 shots on target, conceding only two and having a save percentage of 89% is not something to be overlooked, Norris has been the best goalkeeper in the EFL in my opinion.
Defensively stern sides often prove to be promotion contenders as the season progresses – with a strong spine marshalled by Will Norris, I cannot see Portsmouth losing many games this season.
Randell Williams – Bolton Wanderers
Randell Williams starred for Exeter City years ago, firmly establishing himself as one of the top performers in League Two during the 2019-20 season. After his move to Hull City, his career hit a stumbling block.
He failed to make an impact in East Yorkshire, with the wing back then moving on to Bolton Wanderers last January and he was not able to make a great first impression in the second half of last term.
However, to the surprise of many, Williams has been a mainstay in the Whites’ first team this season – starting in all league fixtures with 520 minutes played.
Ranking high amongst Wanderers’ creative outputs alongside playing the most key passes in the division, Williams looks like his career could be truly back on track – only 26 years of age with his best years still ahead of him, could he continue to be a key asset in Bolton’s promotion ambitions?
Liam Bennett – Cambridge United
Continuing with the theme of fullbacks, last on my list is Cambridge’s Liam Bennett.
Like many other teams in League One, Cambridge have surprised with their start to the season after narrowly avoiding relegation on the final day last time out – a consistent figure to this form has been the 21-year-old Liam Bennett.
Spending the first half of the 2022-23 season in League Two with Walsall, Saddlers fans will be aware of how high the right-back’s ceiling is. Since returning to Cambridge last January he has been a first team regular, even despite his young age.
A real engine at the back, Bennett is also an excellent one-on-one defender with a superb delivery into the box to match.
Cambridge have a real gem on their hands and I believe it is only a matter of time before clubs higher up the EFL start competing for his signature.
Let us know your thoughts on the list and if there are any players we have missed or ones you may disagree with…
