With the Premier League season coming to an end. Will be taking a look at the players who put in a shift for their team, performed consistently but maybe didn’t get the praise they deserve. This article is dedicated to the players who do their job quietly but well without getting the recognition.

Goalkeeper

David Marshall (Cardiff City) – Goalkeeper

The Scottish shot stopper has been in fantastic form for Cardiff this season. Resigned to relegation Marshall has been an outstanding player in between the posts. He doesn’t quite get the recognition mainly due to him playing for a lower rated team but he will be a key factor in Cardiff’s return to the Championship. Despite being relegated Marshall can be proud of his performances this season.

Defenders

Joel Ward (Crystal Palace) – Right Back

As soon as Tony Pulis took over Crystal Palace Joel Ward hasn’t looked back. One of the most consistent right back’s in the league this season. With Crystal Palace safe from relegation and on a good run of games, solid in defence and eager to support the attack. Able to play in a number of positions he has covered in at left back and centre back when needed. Palace fans have been suggesting he should be in contention for a World Cup place, basing it on this seasons form you can’t blame them.

Martin Skrtel (Liverpool) – Centre Back

After falling out of favour and being on his way out last summer. Skrtel has been a defensive rock for Liverpool, as they continued to fight for the title. The highest scoring defender this season with 7 goals. He does not get the praise for his defensive work while the likes of Suarez will get all the pundits. Not only has his defending been good but his tactical awareness has developed, finally adjusting to the attacking Brendan Rodgers way of playing, he has one of the highest pass success rates in the league for a defender.

Curtis Davies (Hull City) – Centre Back

Davies has been a naturally leader for the Tigers this season. Steve Bruce has been quoted saying he believes Davies deserves to be in the England squad. His performances have gotten over looked due to the fact of him playing for a team outside the top 6. Not only has his defensive ability been on par he has also chipped in with a few goals at the other end of the pitch. With Hull City in Europe next season they’ll need Davies to recapture this seasons form.

Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea) – Left Back

Naturally a right back Azpilicueta has played most of this season at left back. His performances have pushed Ashley Cole down the pecking order making himself first choice. Ever present in the Chelsea team, he has been an outstanding player both defensively and attacking wise, apart from giving away that ‘penalty’ against Sunderland. Expect him to be starting for Spain in this years World Cup.

Midfielders

Mile Jedinak (Crystal Palace) – Defensive Midfielder

Our second Crystal Palace player in the list, just goes to show what type of season they are having. Captain’s lead by example and that’s exactly what Jedinak has been doing. Tough in the tackle and commanding in the midfield, a very important player for Palace they’ll be hoping he continues his form in to next season.

Mathieu Flamini (Arsenal) – Central Midfielder

Many Questions were asked when Flamini made a return to Arsenal during the summer. His work goes unnoticed but since his return he has been the leader on the pitch. Arsenal’s team has been missing a hard-working defensive midfielder and Flamini has been that player. He may only be a short-term solution, but Arsenal will need to bring in a younger understudy to take his role next season. Experienced, tenacious and committed, Flamini has shielded the Gunners’ back-four superbly at times.

Fernandinho (Manchester City) – Central Midfielder

He came for a big price tag but since his arrival he has been an outstanding player for City. His partnership with Yaya Toure in the midfielder has been key this season, allowing Toure to stride forward while he stays deeper and covers the space. A hard-working player who still possess that Brazilian touch, scoring 5 goals and 3 assists. His performances have proved crucial to City’s push for the Title. He has proved he was worth the outlay.

Forwards

Jason Puncheon (Crystal Palace) – Right Winger

Who could forget his horrendous penalty miss against Spurs in January. He received massive criticism from the media and supporters but has since turned it around with some truly inspiring performances, picking up 7 goals and 2 assists. His goal scoring form came at a crucial part of the season helping Crystal Palace steer clear of the relegation zones. Puncheon made his loan spell at Palace into a permanent move from Southampton.

Jay Rodriguez (Southampton) – Left Winger

Before picking up the injury which ruled him out for the rest of the season and the World Cup, Rodriguez was in amazing form for Southampton. Leading his club’s goal scoring chart with 15 goals, the injury really disrupted his progress and was looking likely he would be on the plane to Brazil. While the likes of Adam Lallana and Luke Shaw continue getting the praise, Rodriguez has helped fire Southampton into a comfortable top half table position.

Wilfried Bony (Swansea) – Striker

Without his goals Swansea potentially could have been relegated. With Michu being injured for most of the season Bony has stepped it up and has been Swansea’s main force, picking up 17 goals in all competitions. A resolute player, lethal in the air and with a powerful strike, the Ivorian has been in sensational in his first season in the Premier league. We touted him earlier in the season as a player to watch and he hasn’t disappointed at all. When Michu returns from injury their partnership could be deadly.