
Key strength: Pace and dribbling
Wide creator
Real Betis occupy 11th place in La Liga, navigating a turbulent WLWDW run that has Manuel Pellegrini's verdiblancos searching for consistency. Amidst the fluctuating form, Rodrigo Riquelme has emerged as a beacon of tactical reliability on the left flank. The 26-year-old Spanish winger has quietly compiled 6 goals and 1 assist across 32 appearances this season—workmanlike returns that mask his deeper influence. Operating as a classic inside forward, Riquelme drifts menacingly from the left into central corridors, creating numerical overloads that unlock stubborn defenses. His telepathic link with attacking teammates transforms Betis's left side into a genuine attacking outlet. Perhaps most remarkably, zero yellow cards in over 1,300 minutes demonstrates preternatural discipline rare for a creative player—an invaluable trait as fixture congestion intensifies. Valued at €8 million and donning the number 17 shirt, Riquelme epitomizes the astute squad management keeping Betis competitive. As they push to climb the table, his tactical intelligence and clean disciplinary record could prove crucial.