Jean Butez

Key strength: Shot-stopping

Shot-stopper

Between the posts for Como 1907, 30-year-old French guardian Jean Butez stands as the steady heartbeat of Serie A's most captivating underdog story. Sitting 6th in the table, the newly-promoted side have defied every expectation thrust upon them, and much of that resilience flows directly from Butez's composed command of his penalty area. Valued at €4.5 million, the experienced shot-stopper has made 2 appearances this season, anchoring the defense for the full 180 minutes with the calm assurance of a veteran who's seen it all. His shot-stopping prowess has already proven decisive in keeping Como's remarkable dream alive. Playing alongside talented midfielders like Maxence Caqueret (75) and Lucas Da Cunha (75), Butez provides the defensive foundation that allows Como's creative players to flourish. His positioning and distribution have become crucial components of their possession-based approach, enabling the defense to build confidently from the back. For a club that spent decades in football's lower divisions, having a keeper of Butez's caliber—calm under pressure, commanding in the air—represents the professionalism required to sustain this unlikely Serie A adventure. As Como continue to punch above their weight, Butez's steady hands remain central to one of Italian football's great comeback narratives.