Estéban Lepaul

Key strength: Link-up play

Target man

Stade Rennais FC are mounting a serious charge toward European qualification, sitting 5th in Ligue 1 on the back of three victories in their last five outings. At the heart of this resurgence stands Estéban Lepaul, the 26-year-old French centre-forward who has evolved into one of the division's most ruthlessly efficient marksmen. With 13 goals and 3 assists across 30 appearances this season, Lepaul is averaging a goal every 160 minutes—a striker's conversion rate that belies his €35 million valuation. Operating as a classic target man, he combines 70-rated shooting intelligence with exemplary discipline; remarkably, zero cards of any color across 2,261 minutes of action. While his 68 pace won't terrify defenders in behind, Lepaul's movement in the penalty area and link-up play have made him the perfect foil for creative talents like Ludovic Blas. As Rennes chase a return to continental competition, Lepaul's composed ruthlessness in front of goal could prove the decisive factor in their late-season push.