Janis Blaswich

Key strength: Shot-stopping

Shot-stopper

Bayer 04 Leverkusen's grip on 6th place in the Bundesliga reflects a season of rebuilding under Xabi Alonso, and while attacking stars like Patrik Schick and Malik Tillman grab headlines, Janis Blaswich represents the unsung backbone of their defensive depth. The 34-year-old German goalkeeper, valued at €700,000, operates as the experienced third option in a fiercely competitive rotation alongside Mark Flekken and Niklas Lomb. Though his playing time remains limited in this three-way battle, Blaswich's shot-stopping pedigree and calm presence between the posts provide crucial insurance for a squad navigating domestic and European demands. Behind a defensive line featuring Edmond Tapsoba and Loïc Badé, the veteran brings invaluable Bundesliga experience to training sessions, pushing his younger rivals while remaining ready for when his moment arrives. At 34, Blaswich's contribution isn't measured in clean sheets but in the professional standards he sets—the kind of steady reliability that can stabilize a title chase when injuries strike or fixture congestion bites. His 40-rated shot-stopping acumen may not sparkle, but for Leverkusen's long-term ambitions, his readiness and experience are worth far more than the stat sheet reveals.