Jhon Lucumí

Key strength: Aerial dominance

Defensive anchor

Bologna FC 1909 sit 9th in Serie A with form flickering—two consecutive losses halting momentum after a promising spell—but through the turbulence, one constant remains: Jhon Lucumí. The 27-year-old Colombian centre-back has anchored Vincenzo Italiano's defense with staggering reliability, logging 3,207 minutes across 39 appearances this season. In an era obsessed with ball-playing defenders, Lucumí is a throwback—a 'defensive anchor' whose 70 defending stat and aerial dominance win duels without recklessness. His discipline is remarkable: just four yellow cards amid the relentless physicality of Italy's top flight. While €25m-rated attacking talents like Jens Odgaard and Riccardo Orsolini grab headlines, Lucumí operates in the shadows, his modest attacking return (one goal, one assist) belying his true worth. Valued at €25 million—making him Bologna's most prized defensive asset—the #26 proves that sometimes the most valuable players are those who simply refuse to be beaten. In a squad rebuilding under Italiano, Lucumí isn't just a starter; he's the foundation.