Carrick, Busquets, Wjinaldum: 11 of the most underrated players in football history

Former Tottenham midfielder Mousa Dembele has revealed he will retire at the end of the season when his current contract expires.

The 34-year-old, who currently plays for Guangzhou FC in China, took to social media earlier today to clear up confusion about his retirement.

Rumours had initially suggested that Dembele would be retiring immediately, but the Guangzhou player put those reports straight, assuring fans on his Instagram that he would be hanging up his boots after fulfilling his current contract.

After joining Tottenham from Fulham in 2012 for a fee of £17.10 million, Dembele went on to make 249 appearances for the north London side and enjoyed some of his best years under Mauricio Pochettino.

Many Spurs fans regard him as having been one of the most underrated midfielders to have played the English top-flight, wowing fans with his brilliant work rate, composure on the ball and elite abilities winning the ball back for his side.

With Dembele now set to hang up his boots, we’re taking a look back at several other players who may not have been given the acknowledgement that they might have deserved during their playing careers.

While the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar will always grab the headlines, here are 11 of the most underrated players to have ever graced the beautiful game.

After joining Man Utd from Spurs in 2006, Carrick made his name as being one of the most reliable deep-lying midfielders in the Premier League.

The 40-year-old is also of the most decorated players in the history of the top-flight, notably helping United win five Premier League titles, one FA Cup, two League Cups and their famous 2008 Champions League trophy.

A leader both on and off the field, Carrick went on