Ilias Akhomach

Key strength: Pace and dribbling

Wide creator

Clinging precariously to 19th place, Rayo Vallecano have improbably found their survival footing through a five-match unbeaten streak (WWDDW) that has transformed Vallecas into a fortress of hope. Among the architects of this late resurgence is 22-year-old Moroccan winger Ilias Akhomach—a €12m-rated former La Masia prodigy whose Barcelona academy pedigree continues to glimmer with untapped potential. His raw numbers this season (1 goal, 2 assists across 19 appearances) only tell part of the story; operating primarily as an impact substitute with just 579 minutes averaging roughly 30 per outing, Akhomach has become Iñigo Pérez's secret weapon off the bench. His arsenal is electric: blistering pace and slippery dribbling that unlock stubborn defensive blocks, complemented by the vision to thread passes into channels where midfield metronome Matt O'Riley thrives. At 58 overall with considerable room to grow, the Moroccan represents Rayo's calculated bet on youth and upside. As their survival battle intensifies down the stretch, expect Akhomach's minutes—and influence—to expand dramatically. Barcelona's loss continues to be Vallecano's slowly-unfolding gain.