
Key strength: Aerial dominance
Defensive anchor
In a Fiorentina side languishing in 18th place and desperate for defensive solidity, 32-year-old Pablo Marí finds himself in a curious position. The experienced Spanish centre-back, valued at €2.5 million, has managed just a single appearance this season—ninety minutes of action punctuated by two yellow cards that hint at his aggressive, no-nonsense approach. His 'defensive anchor' role and aerial dominance remain theoretical weapons for a team crying out for stability at the back. With star teammates like Moise Kean and Albert Gudmundsson carrying the attacking burden, Marí's challenge is to translate his physical presence and defensive nous into meaningful contributions. For a player whose 55-rated defending and physicality suggest he still has plenty to offer, the question looms: can this battle-hardened Spaniard seize his opportunity and help steer La Viola away from the relegation mire?