Alemão

Key strength: Adaptability

Versatile player

In the unforgiving cauldron of La Liga's relegation scrap, Brazilian target man Alemão carries the weight of Rayo Vallecano's survival hopes from an 18th-placed position. At 27, the €3.5m-valued striker has become an unexpected workhorse for the Madrid minnows, racking up 20 appearances and 893 minutes despite registering just a single goal this campaign. While his shooting statistics (56) and physical presence (45) suggest limitations for a traditional number nine, Alemão's true value lies in his link-up play and reliability—zero cards in 20 matches speaks to a professionalism that belies his 58 overall rating. He operates as the focal point in a side where the real firepower comes from teammates like Jorge de Frutos (75 rating) on the flank. The Brazilian's target man role demands sacrifice: holding up play, bringing others into the game, and occupying defenders while more gifted attackers find space. With Rayo Vallecano fighting for their top-flight existence, Alemão's unsung graft could prove as vital as any match-winner's goals.