Óscar Valentín

Key strength: Work rate

Box-to-box midfielder

Battling in 19th place yet riding a formidable WWDDW unbeaten streak, Rayo Vallecano are fighting to escape La Liga's drop zone—and 31-year-old Óscar Valentín is the tireless heartbeat of their revival. The €2.2 million-rated central midfielder won't dominate highlight reels with his solitary goal and single assist this season, but his value runs far deeper than statistics. Valentín's remarkable durability—37 appearances and 2,174 minutes—makes him Iñigo Pérez's most trusted lieutenant. This box-to-box warrior does the thankless graft that liberates creative talents like Matt O'Riley (80 rated) and Jorge de Frutos (75 rated) to wreak havoc further forward. Three yellow cards and a dismissal betray his combative commitment to every duel. While flashier teammates grab headlines, Valentín's relentless work rate and tactical discipline make him the invisible backbone of Rayo's system. His 61 overall rating belies his true importance—as this unsung hero covers every blade of grass, Rayo believe survival is within reach.