A blog I read recently attributed much of the success enjoyed by Manchester City this season to their big defender Richard Dunne.

The Ireland international’s performance in this month’s 2-1 derby victory at Manchester Utd was the latest in a string of top displays this season and City manager Sven Goran Eriksson was quick to praise him. 

Such tributes will not surprise most City fans; the former Everton player has won the club’s player of the year award for the past three years, despite the emergence of England defender Micah Richards. However, most other fans know little about his excellent form.

In fact he is best known for a difficult start to his career when he had problems with his weight, was suspended for turning up to training slightly worse for wear and sometimes made basic defensive errors.

His transformation into a slimmer self, along with consistent form and a role in nurturing youngsters such as Richards just isn’t big news in comparison, apparently.

So which other good Premier League players slip under the media radar? For me, Bolton’s industrious captain Kevin Nolan is worth a mention, as is Everton’s battling midfielder Lee Carsley. These aren’t players that necessarily add to the Premier League’s glamour. It’s much simpler than that; they just keep their heads down and play well week-in, week-out.     

Who else would you suggest is under-rated?

Neil Maidment, London

PHOTO: Manchester United’s Roy Keane is challenged by Manchester City’s Richard Dunne during their Premier League match at Old Trafford, November 7 2004. REUTERS/Simon Bellis