3 Underrated Championship Players This Season Featuring Newcastle And Preston North End Stars

Some players have the natural ability to stand out. Playing in forward positions, taking on defenders or playing for a big club can ensure that these types stay within the fans’ memories.

Some are noticed, but not credited in the way they should be while others may even go out of the radar completely. Here, we pick 3 players who are probably underrated despite their obvious values to their respective clubs.

Marc Roberts (Barnsley)

Barnsley have had a good season at this level, and are being managed well by Paul Heckingbottom. A major share of credit has to go to their players too. Andy Yiadom at the back, along with Adam Hammill, Tom Bradshaw, and Adam Armstrong firing up front have been impressive. However, special praise has to go to Roberts.

Having spent the first part of his career in the non-league ranks with Wakefield, Worksop, and Buxton, a free transfer from Halifax two years ago saw him begin reaching his true potential. His rise to being the captain of Barnsley is what the game is all about and his solid displays at the back this season have let nobody down. 7 man-of-the-match awards are a testament to that. Roberts’ importance at Oakwell is well recognised by Barnsley fans but he has largely been overlooked by the general footballing public.

Tom Clarke (Preston)

Preston are a difficult side to break down and that is largely down to the influence of Tom Clarke at the back. The former Leyton Orient and Huddersfield man makes an average of 2.5 tackles and 2.5 interceptions per game, which is tremendous. Having done this in a year when Dwight Gayle, Matt Ritchie, Tammy Abraham and many others have fired in a lot of goals in Championship, should not be overlooked.

Having represented England under-18’s and under-19’s while at Huddersfield, we would have perhaps seen this coming. Clarke is now 29 and is reaching his peak as a centre-back. Hopefully, his recognition in the game reaches a peak too.

Ciaran Clark (Newcastle)

A third centre-back in the list and maybe this is significant. Defenders in general, and centre-backs in particular, never get the credit that they deserve. Yes, Clark plays for a top club and one which may well win the division. However, that brings with it some huge pressure and in this case, it’s a team which often allows the opposition plenty of possession.

That tactic is based on their manager’s confidence in his defenders to clear the danger. This is something that has been backed up by Clark’s impressive average of almost 10 clearances per game. The fact that Clark was already coping with top flight football before moving to Newcastle, is a better play now and will be better again next season. He is certainly a player of Premier League quality.