As the Premier League 2025 season reaches its halfway point, attention naturally gravitates toward the headline-grabbers — Erling Haaland’s relentless scoring, Bukayo Saka’s artistry, or Declan Rice’s commanding displays for Arsenal. Yet beneath the glittering spotlight lies another layer of excellence: the players who quietly power their teams without fanfare, the indispensable cogs whose consistency, intelligence, and grit often go unnoticed by the masses.
This piece celebrates those very figures — the Unsung Heroes XI of the 2024–25 Premier League campaign so far. They are not necessarily the flashiest or most expensive, but each has proven vital in shaping their side’s fortunes. Let’s reveal our carefully curated lineup, tactical setup, and the stories behind each name that deserves recognition.
Formation 4-3-3 (Balanced and Modern)
To accommodate a blend of defensive solidity, midfield control, and attacking balance, our Unsung Heroes XI adopts a 4-3-3 formation — the modern template for most elite Premier League sides. It allows flexibility, pressing triggers, and overlapping full-backs, giving the unsung stars the freedom to shine through tactical cohesion rather than individual flair.
Goalkeeper Mark Flekken (Brentford)
When David Raya left for Arsenal, many expected Brentford’s defensive record to collapse. Instead, Mark Flekken, the Dutch international signed from SC Freiburg, has grown steadily into his role as Thomas Frank’s new last line of defense.
His early weeks were shaky — misjudged crosses, occasional passing errors — but by mid-season, Flekken had become one of the most dependable goalkeepers in the league. His distribution under pressure suits Brentford’s build-up play, while his reflex saves, especially in one-on-one situations, have rescued countless points.
Statistically, Flekken ranks among the top five in post-shot expected goals prevented, indicating how often he denies goals that should have been scored. His quiet leadership and calmness have filled the void Raya’s departure left — proving that sometimes, the best replacement is not the flashiest, but the most adaptable.
Right-Back Pedro Porro (Tottenham Hotspur)
Tottenham’s resurgence under Ange Postecoglou has rightly drawn attention to the attacking brilliance of James Maddison and Son Heung-min. But one of the tactical engines of this transformation is Pedro Porro, who has evolved from a sometimes chaotic wing-back into a disciplined yet dynamic right-back.
Postecoglou’s system demands full-backs who can invert into midfield — and Porro has embraced this hybrid role to perfection. His passing between the lines and composure under pressure have added control to Spurs’ transitions. Defensively, his anticipation and tackling have improved dramatically, turning him from a liability into a key tactical weapon.
With multiple assists already and a string of solid defensive performances against elite wingers, Porro stands as one of the Premier League’s most improved — yet still underrated — full-backs.
Centre-Back Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa)
If Aston Villa’s top-four push has surprised many, Ezri Konsa’s quiet excellence at the heart of defense has been one of its cornerstones. While Pau Torres often draws praise for his technical skill, Konsa is the one who does the dirty work — covering space, timing tackles, and ensuring Villa’s high defensive line functions smoothly.
Konsa’s recovery pace allows Unai Emery’s side to press aggressively without fear of being exposed in transition. His positional intelligence, rarely highlighted in mainstream commentary, has helped Villa concede far fewer chances from open play.
What’s even more impressive is his composure in possession. Konsa’s ability to receive under pressure and find progressive passes has elevated Villa’s build-up. If there’s any justice, he should be a regular in England’s setup soon.
Centre-Back Fabian Schär (Newcastle United)
Among Newcastle’s array of stars — Bruno Guimarães, Isak, and Trippier — few appreciate the remarkable reliability of Fabian Schär. The Swiss defender embodies Eddie Howe’s high-intensity philosophy, combining ball-playing elegance with no-nonsense defending.
Schär rarely gets the headlines, yet his numbers tell the story: among the highest for clearances, aerial duels won, and progressive carries by a centre-back this season. When Newcastle faced their injury crisis, Schär held the defensive line almost single-handedly, often stepping up to intercept or initiate counterattacks.
His thunderous long-range goal against Manchester United symbolized his blend of courage and technical prowess. For a team built on collective discipline, Schär represents the perfect example of understated excellence.
Left-Back Viktor Kristiansen (Leicester City)
Back in the Premier League after promotion, Leicester’s early success owes much to the quiet, relentless energy of Viktor Kristiansen. While most attention falls on Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s creativity, Kristiansen has offered defensive assurance and overlapping dynamism on the left flank.
He rarely loses individual duels, covers ground tirelessly, and offers steady service from wide areas. Kristiansen embodies the modern full-back’s balance between industry and intelligence — never reckless going forward, always alert defensively.
Leicester’s steady adaptation to Premier League pace owes plenty to his maturity, making him one of the most reliable defensive performers of the season.
Defensive Midfield João Palhinha (Fulham)
The word “unsung” almost seems unfair to João Palhinha, whose performances scream quality week after week. Yet because Fulham aren’t a top-six club, his dominance in midfield often flies under the radar.
Palhinha leads the league in tackles per game and remains Fulham’s heartbeat — breaking up play, shielding the defense, and recycling possession with authority. When Bayern Munich’s bid to sign him collapsed, many wondered if his motivation would dip. Instead, Palhinha responded with even greater consistency, proving his professionalism and love for the game.
He’s not flashy, but he’s indispensable — the kind of midfielder who turns chaos into calm, and whose absence would instantly make Fulham’s structure collapse.
Central Midfield Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa)
Another Aston Villa inclusion, Douglas Luiz, has quietly evolved into one of the Premier League’s most complete midfielders. Once inconsistent, Luiz now dictates tempo, intercepts passes, and contributes in attack — all without much recognition outside Villa Park.
His chemistry with Boubacar Kamara gives Villa control in midfield, allowing them to dominate possession against stronger opponents. Luiz’s long-range shooting and set-piece accuracy have also earned crucial points.
He’s not the loudest leader, but his maturity, positional awareness, and work rate make him indispensable to Unai Emery’s system. Villa’s balance between creativity and discipline owes much to Luiz’s presence — a player truly blossoming into elite form.
Central Midfield Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham Hotspur)
When Tottenham lost Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur to injuries and suspensions, many feared their midfield would crumble. Instead, Pape Matar Sarr, the 22-year-old Senegalese, stepped up as one of the revelations of the season.
Sarr combines youthful exuberance with tactical maturity. His pressing intensity suits Postecoglou’s vertical football, and his passing range has grown with every game. Whether breaking lines or recovering possession, Sarr has brought energy and balance to Spurs’ midfield.
Though others may steal headlines, his reliability ensures Spurs never lose their rhythm. If this trajectory continues, he could soon join the conversation among the league’s best box-to-box midfielders.
Right Wing Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United)
A year ago, Anthony Gordon’s move from Everton was mocked as overpriced and risky. Fast forward to 2025, and Gordon has silenced every critic. He’s now a cornerstone of Newcastle’s attack — pressing relentlessly, tracking back, and contributing with goals and assists.
While his pace and directness are obvious, what makes Gordon an unsung hero is his work ethic and adaptability. He’s evolved tactically, often dropping deep to link play or covering Trippier’s overlapping runs. Eddie Howe’s intense style fits him perfectly: tireless, brave, selfless.
In a league dominated by superstar wingers, Gordon’s commitment and impact make him one of the most improved — and underappreciated — wide players in England.
Left Wing Leandro Trossard (Arsenal)
Arsenal’s fluid front line often highlights Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Jesus, but Leandro Trossard has quietly been the glue linking it all together. The Belgian forward’s versatility — capable of playing across the front three — gives Mikel Arteta tactical flexibility few others provide.
Trossard’s knack for timely goals, spatial awareness, and selfless pressing make him invaluable. He doesn’t demand the spotlight; instead, he executes the system flawlessly. His intelligence allows Arsenal to maintain rhythm even when key attackers rotate.
Whether scoring decisive goals off the bench or starting against low blocks, Trossard exemplifies what modern football demands: technical quality combined with tactical humility.
Striker Dominic Solanke (Bournemouth)
Bournemouth’s season could have gone unnoticed if not for Dominic Solanke’s incredible rise. Once written off as a failed prospect at Liverpool and Chelsea, Solanke has transformed into one of the league’s most consistent goal threats.
Under Andoni Iraola, Solanke’s movement, link-up play, and clinical finishing have flourished. He’s among the top scorers outside the traditional big six — but it’s his intelligence and pressing that stand out. His hold-up play allows Bournemouth to transition effectively, while his defensive work embodies the modern forward’s dual role.
In a league filled with high-profile strikers, Solanke’s perseverance and productivity make him a true unsung hero — a player redefining himself through effort and evolution.
Manager Unai Emery (Aston Villa)
Choosing a manager for this side was easy. While Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta dominate headlines, Unai Emery’s transformation of Aston Villa deserves immense credit. He has turned a mid-table team into genuine European contenders through meticulous tactics, positional discipline, and player development.
Emery’s ability to rejuvenate players like Douglas Luiz and Konsa epitomizes his coaching brilliance. His attention to detail, structured pressing schemes, and man-management have elevated Villa to heights few predicted.
If this season ends with Villa in the Champions League, Emery’s tactical genius will finally get the widespread acknowledgment it deserves.
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