Ruben Kluivert

Key strength: Aerial dominance

Defensive anchor

Olympique Lyon sit third in Ligue 1, yet the mood around the Groupama Stadium has soured after consecutive defeats snapped a promising three-match winning streak. Through this turbulence, Ruben Kluivert remains an island of calm. The 25-year-old Dutch centre-back has been ever-present this season, logging 1,452 minutes across 21 appearances while carrying one of Dutch football's most iconic surnames. But Kluivert is no mere legacy—he's forged his own identity as Lyon's defensive anchor, combining aerial dominance with remarkable discipline: zero yellow or red cards despite his combative role. What sets him apart is his rare attacking threat from deep—2 goals and 2 assists demonstrate a comfort on the ball that complements his primary duties. Operating alongside Tyler Morton and Abner, Kluivert provides the organizational bedrock that Lyon desperately need as they look to arrest their slide and protect their Champions League aspirations. Valued at €8 million, he represents both present stability and future value for a club navigating choppy waters.