Mathys De Carvalho

Key strength: Ball retention

Deep-lying playmaker

At just 20 years old, Portuguese prospect Mathys De Carvalho is quietly earning his stripes in the heart of Lyon's midfield. While Les Gones sit third in the Ligue 1 table, the young defensive midfielder has accumulated 270 minutes across three appearances this season, steadily integrating into a squad packed with experienced talent like Corentin Tolisso and Tyler Morton. Operating as a deep-lying playmaker with a focus on ball retention, De Carvalho represents a €1 million developmental investment by the club—a stark contrast to the higher-rated established stars around him. With zero goals or assists but disciplined performances (no cards), he's focused on the unglamorous work of shielding the defense and recycling possession. Though currently behind Morton in the pecking order, his 55-rated passing and composed style suggest a player being groomed for the future. For Lyon, 3rd place and chasing European qualification, these developmental minutes could prove crucial long-term.