
Key strength: Shot-stopping
Shot-stopper
At 37 years old, Spanish goalkeeper Raúl Fernández finds himself in a familiar position—providing veteran stability from the shadows as Deportivo Alavés push forward in 7th place. While the likes of Antonio Blanco (71 rating) and Carlos Vicente (70 rating) dominate the headlines with their performances, Fernández remains a quietly influential presence in the dressing room, valued at just €200,000 but carrying decades of experience between the posts. His specialist shot-stopping ability, though reflected in a modest 40 overall rating, offers Alavés crucial depth should injury strike. As younger teammates like Toni Martínez and Pablo Ibáñez drive the Basque club's push up the table, Fernández's role has evolved from starter to sage—an unsung guardian ensuring Alavés maintain their mid-table momentum through turbulent times.