The Top 10 Underrated 1990s Premier League Players

By Russell Wingham

The 1990s is often hailed as a key decade in the history of the beautiful game. Memorable tournaments like Italia 90 and Euro 96, plus the new Premier League catapulted football to new audiences.

The Premier League brought big names such as Cantona, Bergkamp, Giggs, Zola, Le Tissier, …I could go on. At the same time, many players get overlooked. So, here’s a background to 10 unheralded players from the initial golden era of the Premiership.

Lucas Radebe 

Lucas Radebe is a Leeds United cult hero. Yet, he’s rarely named when fans discuss the best 1990s defenders.

Signed by Howard Wilkinson in 1994, Radebe clocked up 251 appearances in the famous white shirt before retirement in 2005. Becoming a mainstay in the Leeds back four, starring in their 2001 Champions League semi-final run under David O’Leary.

In an injury-hit career, Radebe always gave 100% for The Whites. Such was his impact at Elland Road, that popular band Kaizer Chiefs named themselves after Radebe’s former club in South Africa.

Steve Bould 

Stoke-born Bould must be one of Arsenal’s biggest bargain buys, costing £390,000 in June 1988. In 287 appearances for The Gunners, he earned a place in the club’s folklore. Despite operating in the shadow of central defensive partner and skipper Tony Adams.

Bould was part of a formidable back four alongside Adams, Lee Dixon, and Nigel Winterburn. Winning two First Division titles in 1988-89 and 1990-91. 

Further personal honours include 1991-92 Arsenal player of the year. He also scored the club’s first ever goal in the new Premier League in a 4-2 home loss to Norwich City.

More success followed with the 1994 European Cup Winners Cup. Then, the 1997-98 Premier League and FA Cup double under Arsene Wenger. In that 97-98 season, Bould provided an unlikely assist, lofting a through ball for Tony Adams' famous goal against Everton to clinch the title.

Bould ended the 1990s with a move to Sunderland. But it’s in North London where this sturdy stopper will be most remembered.

Nick Barmby 

Hull-born Barmby enjoyed a nomadic Premier League career. Earning a reputation as a solid attacking midfielder. His top-flight career began at Tottenham in 1992, with 21 strikes in 89 games for Spurs. A £5.25 million June 1995 move to Middlesbrough brought 8 goals in 42 games. Barmy rounded out the 1990s at Everton, who signed him for £5.75 million. Repaying that fee with 18 goals in 116 matches for The Toffees.

Barmby’s efficient, yet competent playing style may be why he doesn’t always get recognised. He wasn’t a prolific goalscorer, nor did he rely on tricks and flicks. Yet, 23 England caps and 4 goals for the Three Lions showed his impact. And played in the famous 5-1 win away to Germany in 200, assisting England’s third goal for Michael Owen.

After the 1990s, he enjoyed spells with Liverpool (2000-2002), winning a cup treble in 2000-01. And then Leeds United (2002-2004). Finishing his pro career at hometown team Hull City in 2012.

Gordon Strachan 

Midfielder Strachan is one of Scotland’s best ever players. With 600+ career appearances.

Strachan's spells at Leeds United and Coventry City. Between 1989 and 1995, he made 197 appearances for Leeds, scoring a remarkable 37 goals.

Although he won the football writer's player of the year in 1990-91. Strachan then led Leeds United to the 1991-1992 First Division title. Playing in Leeds' excellent midfield with Gary Speed, David Batty, and Gary McAllister.

Strachan joined Coventry City in 1995, taking over as player-manager in November 1996. Helping the Sky Blues to narrowly avoid relegation in 1996-97. His 26 matches as a player and subsequent managerial stint are vastly underrated. Helping Coventry to stay in the top-flight often against the odds. While signing bargain players and fostering a resilient attitude.

Chris Waddle 

Waddle's 1992-1996 stint at Sheffield Wednesday is often overlooked. After starring in 3 title winning teams for Marseille, Waddle moved to Yorkshire. Netting 10 times in 109 games for The Owls. And winning the 1992-93 football writer’s player of the year, as Wednesday made the final in the League Cup and FA Cup. 

Most well-known to England fans for the 1990 World Cup. The languid playmaker missed a penalty in the semi-final shootout against Germany. Yet, Waddle gained 62 England caps as one the finest wingers in world football in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

If “Magic Chris” had played for a ‘big’ club, fans would celebrate his 1990s Premier League exploits.

Steve Staunton

Better known for time at Liverpool, Staunton turned out for Aston Villa between 1991 and 1998. Featuring over 200 times while racking up 102 Republic of Ireland caps.

Villa manager Ron Atkinson secured Staunton’s signature for a bargain £1.1 million. Staunton would go on to help The Villans grab a second place finish in the 1992-1993 EPL. He also won two League Cups (1994 and 1996) in his time at Villa Park.

"Stan" receives praise for his versatility. Although usually a left-back, he could do a solid shift as centre back or even in midfield.

But Staunton is not a big name from 1990s football, despite his accolades and over a decade of longevity.

Gary Pallister 

Sir Alex Ferguson signed Pallister from Middlesbrough in 1989 for £2.3 million. The 6”4 defender formed a formidable duo with Steve Bruce. Playing a crucial part in United’s mid 1990s title-winning squads. Winning 15 major honours (4 EPL titles, 3 FA Cups, and the 1991 European Cup Winners Cup).

Pallister flies under the radar due to not being part of the 1999 treble winning side. 317 appearances in 9 years at Old Trafford merit a place in a list of the decade’s best stoppers.

Despite winning 22 England caps, Pallister arguably should have won more international caps. And enjoyed wider recognition for his United contributions.

Colin Hendry 

Signed by Kenny Dalglish for £700,000 in 1991, Hendry was Blackburn's 1990s defensive rock. The Scotsman played in 200+ games for the Lancashire club.

Hendry was a towering presence at centre back in Blackburn’s 1995 title winning team. Yet like fellow centre back Steve Bould, he's rarely mentioned in the top EPL defenders.

In 52 Scotland caps, Hendry played at Euro 96 and captained the Tartan Army at the 1998 World Cup.

Is there a more underrated Premier League winning centre half?

Nolberto Solano 

A cult figure at Newcastle United, “Nobby” joined The Toon from Boca Juniors in 1998 for £2.5 million. He blazed a trail as the first Peruvian player to feature in the English Premier League. And notched 29 goals in 172 outings for The Magpies.

An underrated player due to his versatile roles on the right side of midfield or right full-back. Solano shone brightest at right midfield, providing free kicks and plenty of assists. He also helped Newcastle to the 1999 FA Cup final.

At international level, Solano’s remarkable longevity won him 94 Peru caps from 1994 to 2005.

Solano even enjoyed a second spell on Tyneside from 2005-2007. He now enjoys a rightful place in the Newcastle United FC hall of fame.

Ruel Fox

Tricky right winger Fox is often overlooked when it comes to naming top 1990s talents. After 173 games at Norwich City, he made a 1994 move to Kevin Keegan’s Newcastle United. Highlights include 10 goals in the 1999-95 campaign in a swashbuckling Newcastle lineup.

Competition for a starting place led to an October 1995 exit to Tottenham. Where he played his part in Spurs 1999 League Cup success.

Fox performed well at three separate top-flight clubs. Yet he’s overlooked in favour of flashy Newcastle 1990s players like David Ginola. Even so, Fox was a top wide player, always keen to provide tireless running and quality from the flanks.