The top strikers are scoring for fun and getting all the plaudits for their match-winning goals. What of the players lurking behind the headline-makers? Every team needs an unsung hero and the Premier League is full of them, the men who quietly go about their business and make a huge difference for their club.
At Arsenal, Swiss international Granit Xhaka is making himself indispensable to Arsene Wenger. Working alongside Aaron Ramsey and Alexis Sanchez, the 25-year-old has had more passes than anyone in the Premier League this season, with 592 after seven rounds. He has had 16 shots on goal and works hard all over the pitch, managing a 70% tackle success rate in defence.
Across London, Slaven Bilic is struggling for consistency at West Ham as he tries to get the best out of his new signings. In defence, however, he has the reliable form of Aaron Cresswell to fall back on. The 27-year-old has played every league game and his trademark marauding runs have produced 
At Chelsea, Eden Hazard and Alvaro Morata get the headlines understandably enough but it is other players who give the stars the chance to shine. Alongside Hazard is N’Golo Kanté, signed from Leicester City at the start of the 2016-17 season.
He has proved to be a vital cog in Antonio Conte’s machine and his 27 tackles, 16 interceptions and 41 successful duels underline why he has won his own plaudits in recent years.
Much less attention is paid to Mr Reliable himself, César Azpilicueta. In a world of squad rotation Azpilicueta has missed just 10 games since the start of the 2014-15 season. He has four assists to his name already this term and more than 400 passes.
Tottenham Hotspur seem to be finding their stride after a tricky start to the season, with Harry Kane spearheading another tilt at the league title. Kane, Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen provide the firepower but another player who should be sharing the praise is Jan Vertonghen. The Belgian has been magnificent at the heart of Spurs’ defence, breaking up attacks and bringing calmness to their play. His 561 passes this season put him ahead of players like Kevin De Bruyne and Nemanja Matic and he has been instrumental in setting up many attacks that have resulted in goals for Kane and Co.
At The Etihad, another 2017-18 ever-present is Fernandinho. The Brazilian midfielder is now 32 but he is as important to Pep Guardiola as any of his superstars. Another with more than 550 passes to his name, Fernandinho does his work quietly and efficiently. He gets forward to support Sergio Aguero and Jesus but also does a great deal of work defensively, breaking up attacks and clearing his lines.
We will always look to the marquee players to score goals and be creative in midfield. Those players cannot do their work without an able supporting cast. The Premier League’s unsung heroes usually miss out when award season comes around but teammates, managers and fans alike are hugely grateful for their efforts.
by Ian HIne
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