Carlos Tevez always had a reputation for being a dogged pit bull terrier in his offensive approach. Though he’s now seeing out the twilight of his career in the less competitive Argentine Primera Division, Tevez certainly hasn’t lost any of his biting competitive edge.
Now playing for the Boca Juniors, the former Manchester United, Manchester City and Juventus man has retained the fighting qualities which earned him his fearless reputation. Tevez has already battled to a league and cup double in front of his native supporters.
Tevez has never been one to back out of a 50/50 challenge as his latest challenge on keeper Ezequiel Unsain shows:
Playing in Boca Junior’s latest fixture against Newell’s Old Boys, Tevez was baring down on goal just before half time. Utilising his pace to make it into the box, Tevez was in a 1 on 1 situation, but after a heavy touch he was at full stride to evade the on-rushing keeper.
Expectedly, Tevez refused to give up on the goalscoring opportunity.
As you can see above, the resulting collision between the striker and goalkeeper was pretty brutal – Ezequiel Unsain is now nursing a badly broken jaw.
Tevez’s impact with the young keeper was obviously accidental and he was the first to call for medics. Initial assessments suggest 20-year-old Unsain could be our for 45 days.
Have we missed anyone off our 7 of the Premier League’s most underrated players?
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Nacho Monreal – Arsenal
Arguably one of the most consistent players in the Premier League, over the last three seasons.
World-class full-backs are a rare commodity in the Premier League, nowadays. However, Arsenal possess two, but yet it's just Hector Bellerin who gets the plaudits because he's deemed a more exciting player.
Fernandinho – Manchester City
Take Sergio Aguero, David Silva or Vincent Kompany out of that Manchester City side, and you'd notice it - but they'd cope. However, remove the unsung hero, Fernandinho, and the Citizens are more liable to start shipping goals.
So valuable to the former Premier League champions, that Pep Guardiola has revealed that he's considering developing Fernandinho into a centre-back. Can't underestimate the power of versatility.
Erik Lamela – Tottenham Hotspur
Just one of two players that remain from the big Gareth Bale money splurge that Spurs went on.
The former Roma attacker has a determination and grit - coupled with his creativity - that makes him invaluable to a Lilywhites frontline that consists of a lot of players who wouldn't say 'boo to a goose'.
Cheikhou Kouyate – West Ham
Nothing short of the pillar that keeps West Ham United in line.
Antonio Valencia – Manchester United
Antonio Valencia; explosive, strong and reliable. Signed for £16million in 2009, and is now, without doubt, one of United's best value signings ever.
Adam Lallana – Liverpool
Makes the Reds tick, but does it all 'under the radar'. However, the Liverpool side certainly miss the England international's subtle impact when not around.
