As the Premier League season approaches its conclusion, plenty of superstar players are expected to deliver in the biggest games to determine where the title ends up.
From Kevin De Bruyne, to Bukayo Saka to Mohamed Salah, the top six teams have plenty of superstar players that can deliver these moments, but beyond the clubs will also being relying on some unsung heroes to carry the freight too.
Here’s 90min’s picks for each of the Premier League top six’s unsung heroes:
While his centre-back partner William Saliba may often receive more praise, Gabriel is quietly having a fine season for Arsenal.
With a stellar 72 aerial battles won and 77 clearances, the Brazilian is arguably the most robust and risk-free defender Mikel Arteta has at his disposal.
Gabriel arrived at the Emirates in 2020 as a fresh-faced 22-year-old from Lille. He has scored four goals this season for the Gunners, his latest coming in the 6-0 demolition of West Ham in February.
This season has seen considerable focus placed on the contributions of players like Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez and Virgil van Dijk to Liverpool‘s pursuit of silverware.
But just as much noise should be made over Alexis Mac Allister too, having made a huge impact at the heart of the Reds’ midfield since joining the club for a bargain £35m fee.
Jurgen Klopp made it his mission to bring the Argentine to Anfield last summer and he has since proved his worth whether it’s in the starting XI or featuring from the bench. Across his last seven Premier League starts, Mac Allister has come up with three goals and four assists.
It’s difficult to label anyone in the Manchester City team as an ‘unsung hero,’ but if there’s one name deserving of more recognition then it’s Stefan Ortega.
Ortega arrived at the Etihad last summer as Zack Steffen departed on loan, and the German has proven himself as a more-than-capable backup for Ederson. In fact, a segment of City fans still argue that Ortega provides more value than Ederson as the first-choice goalkeeper.
He certainly impressed supporters on Saturday, evading Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta with a Cruyff turn after a (rare) misplaced back pass from Rodri.
Controversial perhaps given he’s not always been a name in the starting XI and is currently sidelined with injury, but Poland international Matty Cash is a defender coveted by several clubs in the Premier League.
His tireless running and attack-minded style of play have been instrumental to Aston Villa‘s success this season, with Unai Emery’s men pushing for Champions League qualification.
Cash started his career at Wycombe Wanderers and later the FAB academy before he signed his first professional contract with Nottingham Forest, establishing himself as a regular at right-back. He signed for Villa in September 2020.
Aggressive, passionate, and vigorous – which Premier League club wouldn’t want this Spaniard in their team?
Pedro Porro is thriving under Ange Postecoglou, having made 27 appearances for Tottenham Hotspur and completing the full 90 minutes in 26 of them.
Additionally, the 24-year-old right back has provided seven assists, a tally on par with James Maddison and Brennan Johnson – a true testament to how good he’s been for Spurs this season.
In a season marked by underperformance and disappointment for the Red Devils, Kobbie Mainoo has emerged as a star.
Mainoo made his first league start for Manchester United this season in late November, in a 3–0 Premier League victory away to Everton, earning himself the Player of the Match award.
More recently, the youngster put £106m midfielder Enzo Fernandez to shame at Stamford Bridge and scored a stunning goal against arch rivals Liverpool, proving once again why so many have called for him to start in the Three Lions midfield at Euro 2024.
READ THE LATEST PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS, RUMOURS & GOSSIP
