Robin Le Normand

Key strength: Aerial dominance

Defensive anchor

Atlético de Madrid sit fourth in La Liga with 28 points, riding a resurgent wave of form that reads LWWLW—three wins from five as Diego Simeone's trademark defensive fortress begins to reassemble. Anchoring this revival is Robin Le Normand, the 29-year-old Spanish centre-back who has become the Colchoneros' immovable object. The €20 million-rated defender has been virtually ever-present this campaign, clocking 2,079 minutes across 35 appearances—a testament to his durability in Simeone's demanding system. Yet Le Normand offers more than defensive stubbornness; his three goals from the backline transform set-pieces into genuine threats, showcasing the aerial dominance that defines his game. Operating alongside Slovakian partner Dávid Hancko, the #24 marshals Atlético's rearguard with controlled aggression—just five yellow cards and zero dismissals evidence his disciplined reading of the game. With a 70 defending rating reflecting his positional intelligence, Le Normand epitomizes the reliability upon which Simeone builds his success. As the Colchoneros push to cement their Champions League qualification, this defensive anchor's unwavering consistency remains the bedrock of their ambitions.