Beñat Prados

Key strength: Adaptability

Versatile player

Athletic Bilbao sit fifth in La Liga with 28 points from 18 matches, their LDLLW form reflecting a side rebuilding under Ernesto Valverde. While results fluctuate, one constant has emerged: Beñat Prados. The 25-year-old Basque midfielder has become Valverde's immovable anchor, logging every available minute—450 across five appearances—despite zero goals or assists. But Prados doesn't chase headlines. He chases opponents. Those four yellow cards tell their own story: tactical fouls killing counter-attacks, second balls won through sheer graft. His 65-rated passing liberates Oihan Sancet to weave magic further forward. Valued at €15 million, Prados embodies Athletic's Basque grit—a box-to-box metronome proving that defensive midfielders earn their keep in battles won, not numbers recorded. In a season chasing European spots, Los Leones' heartbeat beats through him.