Scotland’s Most Underrated Player? Sir Kenny Dalglish Thinks He’s Been Overlooked.

Scotland’s Most Underrated Player? Sir Kenny Dalglish Thinks He’s Been Overlooked.

Some players make headlines every week, dominating the stats sheets, filling highlight reels, and drawing the eyes of pundits and fans alike. Others quietly influence every game, controlling tempo, pulling the strings, and keeping their teams ticking yet rarely receive the recognition they deserve. These are the players who often slip under the radar, overshadowed by goal scorers, flashy wingers, or high-profile transfers.

According to Kenny Dalglish, one such player exists in the current Scottish football landscape. The Liverpool and Celtic legend, widely regarded as one of Scotland’s greatest ever footballers, has spoken about a contemporary Scottish star he believes is vastly underrated.

“He doesn’t make the flashy headlines every week, but the way he reads the game, controls the midfield, and leads by example it’s incredible,” Dalglish said. “Scotland needs players like this, intelligent, composed, and able to influence games without always being in the spotlight.”Dalglish’s comments have sparked conversations among fans and pundits alike. So who is this quietly excelling player, performing abroad but rarely acknowledged as one of Scotland’s top talents? The answer is Lewis Ferguson, the Bologna midfielder whose combination of technical ability, tactical intelligence, and leadership makes him one of the most complete players representing Scotland today.

Ferguson’s journey is a testament to patience, perseverance, and steady development. He began his professional career at Hamilton Accies before moving to Aberdeen, where he quickly established himself as a key figure. Known for his composure on the ball, intelligence in possession, and ability to read the game, Ferguson attracted interest from clubs outside the UK. In 2022, he took the bold step of joining Bologna in Serie A, a move that would test his abilities in one of Europe’s toughest leagues.

Since arriving in Italy, Ferguson has become central to Bologna’s midfield, operating both as a creative link and a defensive shield. Under coach Thiago Motta, he has been deployed in multiple roles as a central No. 8, a slightly advanced playmaker, and occasionally drifting into wider positions when tactical adjustments demanded it. Each role highlights his calmness under pressure, versatility, and exceptional game intelligence.

Statistically, Ferguson’s performances speak for themselves. In the 2023/24 Serie A season, he made 31 league appearances, scoring 6 goals and providing 4 assists impressive for a midfielder whose primary focus is controlling the game rather than just finishing it. Beyond these numbers, his passing accuracy, long-range distribution, and chance creation have all improved, marking him as a key driver of Bologna’s play.

Leadership is another defining feature of Ferguson’s game. Despite being relatively young, he has captained Bologna in important matches, showing his ability to inspire teammates and organize play from midfield. His leadership is measured, consistent, and intelligent qualities often overlooked by casual observers but indispensable on the pitch.

Dalglish is particularly impressed by Ferguson’s understated influence.

You notice him when he’s not there that’s the mark of a player who does everything right,” Dalglish said. “He’s calm, intelligent, and leads by example. Honestly, he’s a hidden gem.”

For Scotland’s national team, Ferguson is quickly emerging as a vital figure. Analysts note his pass completion, decision-making under pressure, and seamless transition between defensive and attacking duties. Whether in competitive qualifiers or friendlies, Ferguson brings the same poise and efficiency he displays in Italy a rare quality among Scottish midfielders playing abroad.

Despite his evident quality, Ferguson remains underrated publicly. He is not a headline-grabbing striker or a flashy winger; his value lies in tactical intelligence, work rate, and composure attributes that often only become apparent to coaches, teammates, and careful observers. His situation highlights a broader issue in modern football coverage: the most important contributions are not always the most obvious.

With Dalglish’s endorsement, Ferguson may finally get the recognition he deserves. The legend’s admiration underscores that this player has the potential to influence matches in Serie A and significantly impact Scotland’s national team prospects. Dalglish’s comments may spark renewed conversations about Ferguson’s role in the national squad and the importance of valuing players who quietly dominate games through intelligence, discipline, and consistency.

Lewis Ferguson embodies the type of footballer every successful team needs: someone who controls the game without attracting constant attention, leads by example, and consistently delivers when it matters most. In an era dominated by flashy moments, Ferguson is a reminder that true influence comes from understanding the game, making intelligent decisions, and executing them with precision.

For Scotland and the broader footballing world, it may finally be time to stop overlooking this midfielder. As Dalglish’s comments highlight, Ferguson is not just a talented player he is arguably Scotland’s most underrated talent, deserving recognition, praise, and a reevaluation of what it means to be a “star” in modern football.