Jean-Clair Todibo

Key strength: Aerial dominance

Defensive anchor

In the desperate trenches of a relegation battle, West Ham United sit 19th in the Premier League—one foot dangling toward the Championship—despite a precious victory in their last outing that finally halted a concerning slide. Amid this turbulence, Jean-Clair Todibo stands as their defensive bedrock. The 26-year-old French centre-back has been ever-present this season, logging 18 appearances and 1,473 minutes while notably contributing 2 assists from the back—showcasing the ball-playing quality that justifies his €22 million market valuation. With a commanding 1.90m frame and exceptional aerial dominance, Todibo brings composure that belies his team's precarious position. Operating alongside Konstantinos Mavropanos in a backline under constant pressure, he's had to walk a disciplinary tightrope with 6 yellows and a red already this term. Yet his distribution from deep remains vital as West Ham look to Jarrod Bowen and Taty Castellanos to fire them to safety. Todibo represents both their defensive anchor now and, crucially, their most saleable asset should the worst happen come summer.