3. Jose Fonte
Much of Wes Morgan’s career arc can be said for Jose Fonte. After leaving Portuguese football to join then-Championship club Crystal Palace, Fonte signed with a League One club on the South Coast of England. That club was Southampton, and they’re light years away from being a League One side.
After two years in the third-tier, Fonte helped propel the Saints into the Championship. Despite appearing in 42 games in Southampton’s 2011-12 Championship campaign, Fonte must not have liked his stay there very much, because he and Southampton left the next year — for the EPL.
Now a captain for a regular mid-table to borderline Europa League side, Fonte has seen numerous teammates leave the club for the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester United. While his age (32) is likely the thing that has kept Fonte from making a move to a Champions League side, it’s also the reason he’s become the EPL’s most underrated defender.
While these recent years at Southampton will define his club career, his international career hit its peak last month. After having to wait until age 30 for a national team call-up, Fonte started for Euro 2016 champions Portugal. It was probably worth the wait.
Offensive Outlook
Fonte’s lanky frame makes him a danger on set pieces, something Southampton is traditionally very good at. His season-high goals tally is seven, though that came in League One play in 2010-11.
Next: Arsenal's next captain?