A hard-working midfielder at an unfashionable small club in a footballing backwater, Ryan Christie's name seldom hits the national headlines (a spectacular goal against Arsenal aside!). Christie's contributions this season have however been nothing short of outstanding. His energy, tenacity, and tactical intelligence have been pivotal in the club’s transformation from relegation strugglers to contesting for European qualification. We think Ryan must be the most underrated player in the division right now. Ryan Christie’s boundless energy is his most visible trait. Whether it’s tracking back to break up opposition attacks or surging forward to support the front three, Christie is the living embodiment of the 'covers every blade of grass' cliche. His work rate is core to the team's identity and is central to Andoni Iraola’s pressing game, often triggering the press and forcing turnovers in dangerous areas. While his productivity in goals and assists may not grab headlines, his influence on the pitch is undeniable. Christie’s tenacity is another hallmark of his game. He thrives in duels, showing an uncanny ability to win possession in tight situations. His combative nature not only disrupts the opposition but also inspires his teammates to raise their own intensity levels. Christie’s pressing and tackling mean that he is one of the league’s most effective disruptors - but he's not just a pressing drone. One of Christie’s most underrated attributes is his tactical intelligence. His ability to read the game and adapt to different situations has made him indispensable in Iraola’s system. We have frequently remarked in the stands that if Christie could add a few more goals and assists to his game that he would be at a level way above us. Take a look at this spider chart from sofascore: The blue lines represent Ryan Christie. Valued at €12m by Transfermarkt. The green lines represent Inter Milan's €80m rated Nicolo Barella. Barella is a similar, high-intensity, high-energy, pressing midfielder. Now, Barella has 2 years on Christie and granted scores more goals. He's by no means prolific though, modal return being 3 a season in Serie A compared to Christie's 1 in the Premier League. Barella registers more assists but again, not by an amount that would seem to substantiate Christie being rated at less than 1/7th of the Italian's market value. Christie wins more duels, makes more tackles, loses the ball less, and makes more clearances and interceptions. We're not using this to claim that Christie should be rated at €80m or playing for Inter Milan - but just to illustrate the degree to which his ability and contribution have gone under the radar as far as the rest of football is concerned. He's just a couple of goals and assists a season short of the same stats as a player of the quality of Barella at one of the biggest club in world football. Before every game at Dean Court, Ryan Christie makes his way around the ground and applauds the home fans. Home and away, no matter what the result, he is always one of the last off the pitch - again applauding the support. We see you, Ryan Christie and we appreciate you.