Mariano Troilo

Key strength: Aerial dominance

Defensive anchor

At just 23 years old, Argentine centre-back Mariano Troilo has quietly become a mainstay in Parma Calcio's surprising rise to 3rd place in the table. While the Gialloblu's recent form has been patchy—three defeats in their last five matches including back-to-back losses before their latest victory—Troilo has been ever-present, racking up 20 appearances and 1,538 minutes while wearing the number 37 shirt. His solitary goal this season hints at threat from set-pieces, befitting a defender whose aerial dominance anchors Parma's backline. Valued at €10m, Troilo represents a shrewd investment in modern defensive potential: comfortable enough on the ball to distribute (53 passing) yet physically imposing (58 physical, 63 defending). Operating as the defensive anchor between the posts and alongside technically gifted teammates like Adrián Bernabé and Nicolas Kühn, Troilo is learning on the job in one of Europe's most tactically demanding leagues. With only one yellow card to his name, he combines aggression with discipline—a rare blend that suggests this Argentine prospect is only beginning to justify the faith Parma have placed in him.