Badredine Bouanani

Key strength: Pace and dribbling

Wide creator

With VfB Stuttgart clinging to fourth place in the Bundesliga amidst an inconsistent run of form (W-D-L-D-L in their last five), Sebastian Hoeneß has discovered an unlikely weapon in his Champions League pursuit: Algerian winger Badredine Bouanani. The €10m-rated 21-year-old has redefined what it means to be a super-sub. In 30 appearances this season, Bouanani has accumulated just 1,401 minutes—averaging under 50 minutes per game—but his impact is undeniable. With 2 goals and 1 assist, the numbers appear modest, yet they belie his true influence. Operating from the right flank before cutting onto his dangerous left foot, Bouanani enters matches with explosive pace and fearless dribbling that terrorizes tiring defenses when games hang in the balance. What truly sets the #27 apart is remarkable discipline for a young flair player: zero yellow cards across nearly 30 top-flight appearances is extraordinary. In a season where Stuttgart's form wavers between promise and frustration, Bouanani's late cameos could prove the decisive factor between a seat at Europe's top table and Europa League disappointment.