Most Underrated Right Midfielders Ever: The Forgotten Masters of the Right Flank
The right midfield role has produced many brilliant footballers over the years, yet not all of them received the credit they deserved. While fans often talk about famous right wingers like David Beckham, Luís Figo, and Arjen Robben, there are many right midfielders whose contributions were just as important but far less celebrated.
These players delivered consistency, work rate, creativity, and tactical intelligence. They shaped matches in ways that didn’t always make highlight reels, but they made their teams stronger, more stable, and more dangerous on the attack.
Today, we look at the most underrated right midfielders in football history, giving recognition to players who quietly performed at world-class levels.
What Makes a Right Midfielder Underrated?
A right midfielder becomes underrated when their quality is overshadowed by:
- More famous teammates
- Lack of media exposure
- Playing for smaller clubs
- A role focused on teamwork instead of personal glory
- Tactical assignments that don’t generate flashy moments
Right midfielders often have to defend, attack, cross, press, and link play. Many excel at all of these but still stay out of the spotlight.
Joaquín Sánchez (Spain)
Joaquín is one of the most entertaining wingers Spain has ever produced. His dribbling, energy, and personality made him a fan favorite. Yet, globally, he remains underrated.
He played for:
- Real Betis
- Valencia
- Fiorentina
- Málaga
Known for his longevity, Joaquín played top-level football well into his 40s — a rare achievement for a winger. His consistency, leadership, and loyalty make him one of the most underappreciated right midfielders ever.
Ángel Di María (Argentina)
Yes, Di María is famous — but still underrated at right midfield considering how much he has achieved. Many fans overlook how crucial he has been for every team he has played for.
Career highlights:
- Man of the Match in the 2014 Champions League final
- Key player in Argentina’s 2021 Copa América and 2022 World Cup victories
- Stunning performances for PSG, Real Madrid, and Benfica
His ability to assist, score, and create magic from the right side is world-class, yet he rarely appears in “all-time lists.”
Andrei Kanchelskis (Russia)
Kanchelskis was an electric right midfielder during Manchester United’s early Premier League era. His pace, direct running, and finishing made him unstoppable on the counterattack.
Achievements:
- Premier League champion
- FA Cup winner
- Played for Manchester United, Everton, Fiorentina, and Rangers
Despite his talent, he is overshadowed by other United legends. But in his prime, he was one of the best right-sided players in Europe.
Jesper Blomqvist (Sweden)
Often remembered for his injury struggles, Blomqvist’s is one of the underrated right midfielders. He played a major role in Manchester United’s 1998–99 treble-winning season, providing balance, crossing ability, and intelligent movement.
Before United, he impressed at Parma and AC Milan. His technical skill and work rate made him an important team player, even if injuries limited his spotlight.
Dirk Kuyt (Netherlands)
Dirk Kuyt is often labeled a striker or forward, but he spent large parts of his Liverpool career working tirelessly on the right side. He wasn’t flashy, but he was incredibly effective.
What makes Kuyt underrated?
- Amazing work ethic
- Big-game performer
- Tactical intelligence
- Crucial goals in important matches
He may not have dribbled like traditional wingers, but his selfless style made him invaluable to every team he represented.
Steve Coppell (England)
Steve Coppell was one of Manchester United’s best right midfielders in the 1970s and early 1980s. He combined speed, crossing accuracy, and incredible stamina.
Unfortunately, his career was cut short by injury. That’s a major reason he isn’t widely remembered today, even though he was world-class in his prime.
Ludovic Giuly (France)
Giuly was an essential part of Barcelona’s rise under Frank Rijkaard. Playing on the right, he offered blistering pace, clever movement, and excellent finishing.
He helped Barcelona win:
- La Liga titles
- 2006 Champions League
Giuly was overshadowed by Ronaldinho and Eto’o, but he was vital to the team’s balance and attacking patterns.
Jussi Jääskeläinen — Correction Not Needed
(We replace this with a true right midfielder.)
Nani (Portugal)
Nani had incredible talent — stepovers, pace, creativity, and goal-scoring ability. He won multiple Premier League titles and a Champions League with Manchester United, yet he lived in the shadow of Cristiano Ronaldo.
His contribution to Portugal’s Euro 2016 victory is often overlooked. Nani was unpredictable, exciting, and highly effective on the right.
Antonio Valencia (Ecuador)
Valencia may have later become a full-back, but he spent years as a natural right midfielder. His explosive runs and powerful crosses made him one of Manchester United’s most reliable wide players.
He wasn’t flashy, but he was physically dominant, disciplined, and incredibly consistent.
Jesús Navas (Spain)
Navas is still underrated today. With lightning pace, sharp crossing, and incredible longevity, he has been Sevilla’s engine for nearly two decades.
He won:
- World Cup 2010
- Euro 2012
- Multiple Europa League titles
Despite his achievements, he rarely appears in top winger lists, even though he deserves a spot.
Why These Underrated Right Midfielders Deserve More Respect
These players excelled in areas that often go unnoticed, such as:
- Defensive work
- Smart positioning
- Team balance
- Tactical discipline
- Consistent crossing and support play
- Unselfish movement
They may not have dominated headlines, but they shaped their teams’ success.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Why are right midfielders often underrated?
Because their role focuses on teamwork, structure, and consistency rather than flashy dribbling or highlight goals. They often sacrifice personal glory for team success.
What is the difference between a right midfielder and a right winger?
A right midfielder plays deeper, helps defensively, and supports the midfield, while a right winger usually plays higher up the pitch and focuses more on attacking.
Who are the most underrated right midfielders ever?
Joaquín and Andrei Kanchelskis are often considered the most underrated due to their longevity, influence, and consistent performances.
Can right midfielders play other positions?
Yes. Many underrated right midfielders have played as full-backs, central midfielders, or even forwards due to their versatility.
Why don’t these players appear in all-time lists?
Because those lists usually highlight the most famous players, not necessarily the most consistent or tactically important ones.
Final Thoughts
Underrated right midfielders don’t always get the spotlight. But the players on this list shaped games, supported their teammates, and delivered high-level performances for years. They deserve far more appreciation for their contribution to football history.
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