Kristian Thorstvedt

Key strength: Work rate

Box-to-box midfielder

In the heart of US Sassuolo's engine room, Kristian Thorstvedt has emerged as the unsung architect of the Neroverdi's season. With the club sitting 11th in Serie A amid an inconsistent run—evidenced by their recent LWWLL form—the Norwegian international brings a calming presence to the chaos. His 2 goals and 2 assists across 20 appearances may seem modest, but it's the 1,309 minutes of relentless box-to-box energy that tells the real story. At 26, Thorstvedt occupies his prime years with a €10 million market value that undervalues his true worth to Stefano Pioli's system. While creative talents like Armand Laurienté and Andrea Pinamonti grab the headlines, Thorstvedt does the dirty work—transitioning play, covering defensively, and maintaining discipline with just a single yellow card all season. His 73 rating places him alongside midfield partner Ismaël Koné, yet it's his tireless work rate that distinguishes him in a congested Italian midfield. As Sassuolo look to climb the table and distance themselves from the relegation scrap, Thorstvedt's consistency could prove the difference between another mid-table finish and a push toward European contention.