Samú Costa

Key strength: Ball retention

Deep-lying playmaker

Samú Costa stands as the beating heart of a struggling Mallorca side currently fighting for survival in 16th place. The 25-year-old Portuguese defensive midfielder has been a rare bright spot in an otherwise difficult campaign, anchoring the midfield with his deep-lying playmaker role and exceptional ball retention skills. Despite operating primarily as a shield for the backline, Costa has found the net 4 times from his 22 appearances—a commendable return for a player stationed so deep. His 1,634 minutes testify to his importance, though 6 yellow cards and a red suggest he doesn't shy away from the physical battle. With a €15 million market value, Costa represents both Mallorca's present stability and future asset. Operating alongside creative sparks like Pablo Torre and the industrious Sergi Darder, Costa's ability to recycle possession and initiate attacks remains crucial as Aguirre's side desperately seeks the consistency needed to climb away from the relegation zone.