Iván Balliu

Key strength: Pace and recovery

Overlapping full-back

Deep in the relegation zone at 18th place, Rayo Vallecano are desperately searching for answers - and in veteran full-back Iván Balliu, they have a battle-tested warrior willing to fight for survival. The 34-year-old Albanian international has been limited to just 360 minutes across 4 appearances this campaign, yet his €1.2m valuation still reflects his enduring value as a squad asset. Operating as an overlapping right-back who relies on his pace and recovery ability, Balliu provides valuable depth behind starters, offering Andoni Iraola a proven option when legs grow heavy in the second half. While his output hasn't translated to goals or assists this season, his 4 appearances demonstrate he remains part of the rotation as Rayo battle to escape the drop zone. At an age when most full-backs contemplate retirement, Balliu's physical 55-rated attributes suggest he still has the lungs to surge up and down the flank for 90 minutes. For a team in crisis, his experience could prove invaluable in the desperate months ahead as they fight to preserve their La Liga status.