Lamare Bogarde

Key strength: Ball retention

Deep-lying playmaker

At just 21 years old, Lamare Bogarde is quietly earning his stripes at an Aston Villa side sitting proudly in 3rd place, riding a formidable winning streak that's electrified Villa Park. The Dutch defensive midfielder has accumulated 360 minutes across 5 appearances this season, averaging 72 minutes per outing as manager Unai Emery gradually integrates his positional versatility into the squad. Though yet to register goals or assists, Bogarde's value runs deeper than statistics — his ability to seamlessly drop into the backline as a centre-back or slot in at right-back offers Emery tactical flexibility during Villa's relentless pursuit of Champions League football. With a €10 million market value already attached to his name, Bogarde faces stiff competition from established internationals Amadou Onana and Boubacar Kamara for the defensive midfield anchor role, yet his youth pedigree and clean disciplinary record suggest a patient grooming process that could see him emerge as Villa's long-term midfield enforcer. In a squad packed with talent like Lewis Ferguson and Ian Maatsen, Bogarde represents the blueprint of modern Premier League development — potential meeting opportunity at the perfect time.