Maxime Lopez

Key strength: Ball retention

Deep-lying playmaker

At Paris FC - currently 15th in the table and searching for stability - Maxime Lopez arrives as an intriguing €6 million acquisition. The 28-year-old French defensive midfielder profiles as a deep-lying playmaker with exceptional ball retention abilities, offering exactly the tempo-control and composure this struggling Ligue 2 side desperately needs in their engine room. Despite being valued at a significant €6m market price, Lopez has yet to register any minutes this season (0 appearances, 0 goals, 0 assists), suggesting he's either a fresh arrival still integrating into the squad or working his way back from injury. His FIFA-style attributes reveal a player built for possession football - 60 passing rating and 55 dribbling - ideal for linking defense to attack. The arrival comes as Paris FC face an uncertain campaign, with the attacking talents of Kebbal (75 rating), Moses Simon, and Ikoné crying out for reliable supply from midfield. Lopez's proven expertise at dictating play from deep positions could prove transformative if he can translate his €6m valuation into on-pitch contributions. For a club languishing at the wrong end of the table, unlocking Lopez's potential may be the tactical key to survival.