Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville have named their picks for the most underrated player in Premier League history, with the retired defenders both opting for underappreciated stars from their respective clubs, Liverpool and Manchester United. Indeed, both powerhouse sides have had their fair share of world-class talent over the years.
But picking out the players from those star-studded squads - teams that hoovered up honours including multiple league titles and Champions League crowns - who quietly did the dirty work and played the role of the unsung hero is no easy task. Every great side has its headline acts: the big personalities who forced their way into conversations about the greatest players in Premier League history, not only through memorable displays, but also because they relished the spotlight and talked a big game.
The question was put to the Sky Sports’ punditry power duo during a recent segment on the Overlap podcast. It’s the kind of debate that usually throws up names like Michael Carrick, Jordan Henderson and Park Ji-Sung, but all three were overlooked by Carragher and Neville.
EPL_Greatest PL Players Related
50 Greatest Premier League Players of All Time [Ranked]
The Premier League has seen an abundance of extremely talented players, but who makes the cut?
Jamie Carragher's Pick for 'Most Underrated Player in PL History'
jamie carragher-1
Carragher found the question so difficult that he initially ended up picking himself. After gathering his thoughts - and with a little inspiration from someone behind the camera who suggested Roberto Firmino - the 2005 Champions League winner eventually settled on Danny Murphy, a player he lined up alongside 212 times for both Liverpool and England.
Murphy joined the Reds in 1997 for an initial £1.5m fee, which was no small change at the time. He went on to make 170 appearances for the Merseyside club before moving to Charlton Athletic in 2004. The now 49-year-old later had spells with Tottenham, Fulham and Blackburn Rovers before hanging up his boots in 2013.
Danny Murphy-Liverpool
Danny Murphy-Liverpool -stock Pre-Season 98/99 Pic:Stuart Franklin/Action Images
As good as Murphy was in his prime, he was arguably a victim of being in the right place at the wrong time. His years at Liverpool coincided with an era stacked to the rafters with elite midfielders, including Steven Gerrard. Though he didn't retire until he had lifted a Europa League, UEFA Super Cup, an FA Cup and two League Cups.
It was much the same story on the international stage. Murphy earned just nine caps for England national team, with the likes of the aforementioned Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Paul Scholes standing in his way for a regular spot in the Three Lions setup.
Jamie Carragher performing media duties Related
Jamie Carragher Names 10 Greatest Liverpool Players Ever - Mohamed Salah Sixth
Steven Gerrard, John Barnes, and Virgil van Dijk all feature on Carragher's list of 10 greatest ever Liverpool players.
Neville's Pick is a Man United Legend
Former player and TV pundit Gary Neville speaking on Sky Sports
The main difference between Carragher and Neville's picks is that the latter went for a much more decorated player, and whose trophy cabinet is deserving of someone who should be rolling in constant praise. Certainly, Murphy deserves his flowers, but it's even more surprising that Denis Irwin has gone so under the radar in recent years.
The Cork-born defender, despite adding seven Premier League titles to his name with Man United, was never put on the same pedestal as his fellow teammates – and that’s a terrible shame given how talented and dedicated he was. On Irwin, Neville said (watch the full Overlap segment below):
"Denis Irwin, 100%. [He is] the best full-back in Premier League history. Denis Irwin."
What made the roaring full-back that extra special was his incredible consistency. Between 1990 and 2002, he notched in excess of 500 appearances for the Red Devils on either side of the back line and curled in free-kicks like they were going out of fashion.
Denis Irwin - Manchester United
Denis Irwin - Manchester United
A consummate professional of the highest order, the former Wolverhampton Wanderers man was not only versatile, but his leadership qualities, both on and off the pitch, were key reasons as to why he was such a trusty servant for managers throughout his trophy-laden career.
In 328 English topflight appearances, he kept a staggering 123 clean sheets. Away from the Premier League, he also lifted a Champions League, a UEFA Super Cup, two FA Cups, and a League Cup, taking his total tally to 19 honours across his playing career.