Unai Núñez

Key strength: Aerial dominance

Defensive anchor

Unai Núñez finds himself in an unusual position at Celta de Vigo. Despite being a 29-year-old Spanish centre-back valued at €3 million, the former Athletic Bilbao defender has yet to make a competitive appearance for his new club this season as they sit 7th in the table. A specialist aerial defender who thrives as a defensive anchor, Núñez brings the physicality (55) and defensive nous (55) that his teammates—led by pacey wingers Bryan Zaragoza (75 rating) and Williot Swedberg—need in their backline. His 2 yellow cards suggest activity, perhaps from training sessions or behind-closed-doors fixtures, but manager Claudio Giráldez has yet to trust him in La Liga action. With Oscar Mingueza excelling at right-back and fellow attackers Ferran Jutglà and Hugo Álvarez finding their rhythm in attack, Núñez waits patiently for his chance to prove his worth as a commanding presence at the heart of Celta's defense.