Jon Karrikaburu

Key strength: Link-up play

Target man

At just 23, Jon Karrikaburu finds himself in a familiar position for young strikers—waiting in the wings while Real Sociedad's 8th-place campaign unfolds in La Liga. The Spanish centre-forward has logged just 180 minutes across two appearances this season, yet to register a goal or assist, but his €2 million valuation and 'target man' profile suggest a player with a specific tactical role. Behind established forwards like Mikel Oyarzabal and the electric Takefusa Kubo, Karrikaburu's 53 shooting and 55 pace won't turn heads, but his 'link-up play' strength hints at a hold-up striker capable of bringing creative talents into the game. With Gonçalo Guedes and Carlos Soler providing ammunition from midfield, the Basque-born forward waits for his moment—a classic developmental path at a club renowned for nurturing homegrown talent.