Diego Llorente

Key strength: Aerial dominance

Defensive anchor

Real Betis Balompié occupy 11th place in La Liga, their WLWDW form reflecting a campaign of frustrating inconsistency despite glimmers of promise. Anchoring their defense through this turbulence is 32-year-old Spanish centre-back Diego Llorente—a veteran presence whose reliability has become indispensable to Manuel Pellegrini's plans. With 24 appearances and 1,774 minutes this season, Llorente ranks among Betis's most durable performers, his steadfast availability allowing defensive partners to rotate around him. His two goals from set pieces add unexpected attacking value, while just two yellow cards across nearly 1,800 minutes speaks volumes about his composure and positional intelligence. Valued at a modest €3 million, the 56-rated defender represents pragmatic squad management—experience over extravagance. In Pellegrini's possession-heavy system, Llorente's adaptability and aerial presence provide the defensive bedrock upon which Betis must rebuild their European aspirations. As Los Verdiblancos chase consistency, his steadying influence in the backline remains their most reliable constant.