Aymeric Laporte

Key strength: Adaptability

Versatile player

Sitting 10th in La Liga, Athletic Bilbao are pinning their defensive hopes on a prodigal son's return: Aymeric Laporte. The 31-year-old Spanish centre-back, valued at €9 million, has come full circle—back to the club where he began his journey as a teenager, now bringing the tactical sophistication forged during title-laden years at Manchester City. In just his single appearance so far, Laporte has already made his creative mark with an assist from the backline—a trademark of his ball-playing excellence. His defensive stats (57 defending, 55 physical) and composed distribution (47 passing) offer Ernesto Valverde's side the rare ability to build from deep with precision. Surrounded by electric attacking talent—Nico Williams (83 rating) and Oihan Sancet (80 rating) spearhead Bilbao's offensive thrust—Laporte's role is to provide the defensive foundation that allows their flair to flourish. Competing for minutes alongside defenders like Aitor Paredes and Yeray Álvarez, his Premier League pedigree brings elite experience to a squad pushing for European qualification. This isn't just a transfer—it's a homecoming with purpose.