The high-quality soccer action has continued throughout the summer, with the new-look FIFA World Cup gaining attention from all four corners of the globe.
However, once the 2025 champions have been crowned, the attention quickly turns toward clubs attempting to make moves in the summer transfer window ahead of the start of a new campaign.
Some clubs may attempt to make moves for some of the most underrated performers from the previous campaign, as they could be slightly more affordable than those with lofty reputations.
But, which players have ranked among the best-performing underrated starts over the last 12 months?
Arthur Vermeeren
Arthur Vermeeren has been considered to be one of the most talented young players in world football since making his breakthrough with Royal Antwerp. However, he appeared to finally start fulfil that promise during a season-long loan spell with Bundesliga club RB Leipzig in 2024-25.
The 20-year-old made 41 appearances across all competitions for club and country, which included 28 starts in the German top-flight. Vermeeren’s defensive stats caught the eye for Leipzig in 2024-25, as he averaged 1.91 tackles per 90, and won an average of 3.31 ground duels per 90.
The Belgian appears to have settled in Germany, and he looks set to continue his development in 2025-26.
Ivan Fresneda
Sporting Lisbon always rank among one of the most dominant teams in Portugal, meaning it is little surprise that they rank among the most popular selections with gamblers after claiming the Colorado sportsbook promos.
Ivan Fresneda was one of their top performers throughout the most recent season. The Spanish full-back made 18 starts in Liga NOS, and appeared on three further occasions in the Champions League.
The full-back was a key player in the title-winning side for the Portuguese team. Such has been his progression that his long-term future is now being rumoured, with some of the biggest teams on the continent monitoring his situation.
Tommaso Baldanzi
AS Roma enjoyed an excellent end to the season under Claudio Ranieri, and one of their brightest performers was Italian U21 international Tommaso Baldanzi. The 22-year-old joined the club in 2024 after an excellent four-year stay with Empoli, and his impression has been immediate.
Baldanzi ended the 2024-25 season with two goal involvements, and averaging a pass completion rate of 85%, The Italian made an average of one key pass per 90, and was an efficient dribbler of the ball, averaging 3.63 carries per Serie A fixture.
His influence on the team is expected to continue over the coming years, and he is regarded as one of the most exciting Italian prospects of the generation.
Mikkel Damsgaard
Brentford enjoyed another excellent campaign in the Premier League in 2024-25, and while stars such as Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa made the headlines, it could be argued that the underrated star in the squad was Mikkel Damsgaard.
The Danish international was the creative influence for Thomas Frank’s team throughout the season, registering an impressive eleven goal involvements in 38 matches. The playmaker was the heartbeat of the team, making an average of 41.18 passes per 90, and accumulating a pass completion of 77%. His combative style is also reflected in his defensive stats, as he averaged 2.49 tackles per 90 and accumulating 5.12 winning duels per 90.
Despite losing key figures this summer, keeping hold of Damsgaard will ensure that the Bees are competitive in the English top-flight in 2025-26.
Elliot Anderson
Nottingham Forest were one of the stories of the Premier League season in 2024-25, as they narrowly missed out on a place in the Champions League on the final day of the campaign after losing at home to Chelsea.
However, a European finish remains a remarkable achievement. Elliot Anderson was one of their shining lights throughout the campaign, playing in all but one of the matches. The England U21 international registered eight goal involvements in the league, and was the heartbeat of the Forest midfield.
Anderson’s ability to break up the play in the middle of the park was a prime reason for their success. The midfielder was part of the team that kept 13 clean sheets, with Anderson playing his role after making averages of 1.73 winning aerial duels, 3.05 tackles, and 2.17 clearances.
Andrei Ratiu
Rayo Vallecano enjoyed a sensational season in La Liga this term, achieving a European finish. Versatile star Andrei Ratiu was one of the star performers for the team throughout the season, and his performances have already seen him muted with a potential transfer to Barcelona this summer.
The 27-year-old made 35 La Liga appearances last season, scoring twice and registering three assists. His aggressive style of defending was the blueprint for the success enjoyed by Vallecano, averaging 2.24 tackles, 5.80 winning ground duels, and 1.78 clearances per 90.
Players like Ratiu, Anderson, and Vermeeren often fly under the radar but offer consistent value week after week—especially when it comes to match predictions and betting picks. Hunt great odds at BetUS with some of these tips, keeping an eye on underrated talent that the market may still be sleeping on.
