Ramy Bensebaini

Key strength: Aerial dominance

Ball-playing defender

In a Bundesliga title race where every point matters, Borussia Dortmund sit second in the table, their campaign punctuated by a recent dip in form that has seen them suffer two defeats in their last five matches. Yet amid the attacking brilliance of Serhou Guirassy and the midfield craft of Felix Nmecha, one player is quietly redefining the modern centre-back role. Ramy Bensebaini, the 30-year-old Algerian international valued at €7m, has emerged as Edin Terzić's most unlikely weapon this season. With 6 goals and 1 assist across 29 appearances—and 2,168 minutes of relentless defensive work—Bensebaini has weaponized his aerial dominance to devastating effect. This ball-playing defender doesn't merely marshal the backline alongside Nico Schlotterbeck; he transforms set-pieces into goal-scoring opportunities and ignites transitions with composed distribution. Remarkably disciplined with only five yellow cards to his name, Bensebaini represents the dual-threat foundation that makes Dortmund's fluid system click. In a title race decided by narrow margins, this defensive warrior's unexpected offensive contributions could prove decisive.