Oier Zarraga

Key strength: Work rate

Box-to-box midfielder

At 9th in the Serie A table, Udinese Calcio are navigating a competitive mid-table campaign, and in the engine room, Spanish midfielder Oier Zarraga is quietly earning his stripes through sheer industry. The 27-year-old box-to-box specialist has accumulated 450 minutes across 6 appearances this season, bringing the relentless work rate that defines his €1.8 million valuation. While the statistics sheet shows no goals or assists yet, Zarraga's contribution lies in the unglamorous battles—covering ground, breaking up opposition moves, and providing the tactical discipline that allows flashier talents like Nicolò Zaniolo and Arthur Atta to flourish ahead of him. In a midfield department featuring higher-profile names, Zarraga represents the reliable squad option every manager needs: a player who steps in when called upon and executes the dirty work without complaint. His single yellow card in 450 minutes speaks to his controlled aggression. For Udinese, chasing consistency in Italy's top flight, players like Zarraga provide the essential depth that keeps the engine running through a grueling season.