Discover La Liga’s most underrated players of 2025. From defensive walls to creative engines, meet the talents quietly shaping the league.
La Liga’s Most Underrated Players This Year
In the world of football, star power often grabs the spotlight, leaving behind the unsung heroes who form the backbone of their teams. La Liga 2025 is no exception. While the headlines may be filled with names like Mbappé, Bellingham, and Lewandowski, a host of lesser-known but highly impactful players have been quietly shaping the Habanero season.
This article dives deep into the most underrated players in La Liga this year, those whose contributions often go unnoticed but are crucial to their teams’ success. Whether it’s a tireless midfielder, a silent defensive wall, or a consistent performer away from the cameras, these are the names you should know.
Why “Underrated” Players Matter in the League
Being underrated doesn’t mean lacking talent—it often means performing without the hype. These players:
- Maintain consistent form
- Contribute significantly in non-flashy roles
- Excel tactically but don’t generate media buzz
- Are crucial to team balance and chemistry
Their value becomes more apparent to coaches, analysts, and fans who understand the nuances of the game. In a competitive league like La Liga, these hidden gems can make the difference between mid-table mediocrity and European qualification.
🧠 1. Álex Baena – Villarreal
Often overshadowed by bigger names, Álex Baena has been Villarreal’s creative spark in midfield. With his vision, quick feet, and positional intelligence, Baena has racked up:
- 6 assists
- 4 goals
- An 87% pass accuracy
He’s the perfect example of a modern Spanish midfielder: press-resistant, aware, and incisive.
🛡️ 2. José Ángel Carmona – Getafe
Carmona is one of La Liga’s best defensive full-backs, capable of shutting down elite wingers week after week. His stats for the season:
- 62 successful tackles
- 38 interceptions
- 75% duel success rate
Still only 22, Carmona plays with the discipline of a veteran and could soon attract attention from top-tier clubs.
🧤 3. Unai Simón – Athletic Club
Despite being Spain’s No. 1 goalkeeper, Simón continues to fly under the radar compared to the flashy exploits of keepers in other leagues. In 2025:
- 11 clean sheets
- 2 saved penalties
- Save percentage: 81%
Simón’s calm composure and command of the box are essential to Bilbao’s stability in the league.
🎯 4. Sergi Darder – Mallorca
A late bloomer and midfield general, Darder quietly bosses games with positional awareness and tactical discipline. His 2025 metrics:
- 7 progressive passes per 90
- 3.2 key passes per game
- 3 goals from midfield
His experience is a guiding light for a Mallorca side battling to stay mid-table.
💪 5. Javi Galán – Atlético Madrid
With most attention going to Griezmann or Llorente, Javi Galán brings balance to the flanks with tireless running and defensive cover. In 2025:
- 4 assists from LB
- 90% tackle success rate
- Top 5 in La Liga for ground duels won
A true workhorse who rarely puts a foot wrong.
⚙️ 6. Brais Méndez – Real Sociedad
Quietly instrumental in Sociedad’s push for Europe, Méndez has developed into one of the best box-to-box midfielders in the league:
- 5 goals
- 6 assists
- 2.1 successful dribbles per game
His versatility and ability to play between the lines give La Real a tactical edge.
🔐 7. David López – Girona
A former Espanyol stalwart, López has been instrumental in Girona’s surprise top-half charge this year:
- Captain and vocal leader
- Organizes a backline that concedes fewer than 1.1 goals/game
- Strong aerial presence (75% aerial duel success)
His leadership is vital in Girona’s fairytale season.
🔄 8. Isi Palazón – Rayo Vallecano
An attacking midfielder with flair, Isi brings flair and creativity to Rayo’s offensive transitions. His 2025 highlight reel includes:
- 5 goals
- 7 assists
- Countless nutmegs and line-breaking passes
He’s the kind of player fans love but scouts often overlook.
🧩 9. Aitor Ruibal – Real Betis
Used in multiple positions—right-back, right-wing, even midfield—Ruibal is a manager’s dream. He may not be the flashiest, but his utility is unmatched:
- 3 assists
- 2 goals
- Averaging 1.9 interceptions per game
The ultimate team-first player.
🪙 10. Samu Costa – Mallorca
Anchoring the midfield for Mallorca, Costa has quietly become a ball-winning machine:
- 4.3 tackles per match (2nd in La Liga)
- 85% pass accuracy
- Effective transition disruptor
His profile fits the mold of the “next breakout defensive midfielder” in Europe.
📈 Honorable Mentions
- Fran García (Real Madrid) – Strong cover for Ferland Mendy
- Savio (Girona) – Explosive winger with flair
- Bryan Zaragoza (Granada) – Standout in an otherwise struggling side
- Óscar Valentín (Rayo) – Consistent anchor in midfield
🤔 Why Do These Players Go Unnoticed?
Several reasons contribute to their lack of mainstream recognition:
- Play for mid-table or smaller clubs
- Perform in positions that don’t generate highlight reels
- Are consistent, not spectacular
- Are overshadowed by more expensive teammates
But as any true fan of the league knows, these players are just as important as the headline-grabbers.
🗣️ Analysts Weigh In
- Julien Laurens: “La Liga’s depth is underrated globally. Players like Brais Méndez and Darder could walk into many Premier League sides.”
- Guillem Balague: “It’s not just about stars. It’s about balance, and these players give their teams balance.”
📣 Support the League and Its Hidden Talents
La Liga isn’t just about the big names—it’s about the hardworking players who turn games, even without the spotlight. As fans, it’s time we celebrate the full spectrum of talent that makes the league so dynamic and competitive.
Next time you tune in to a match, keep your eyes on the unsung heroes. Share their highlights, champion their contributions, and support the league that consistently produces world-class football—both on and off the radar.
