Nemanja Matić

Key strength: Ball retention

Deep-lying playmaker

At 37 years old, Nemanja Matić continues to defy time at US Sassuolo, where his €1.8 million market value belies the veteran's profound influence. Sitting 11th in the table, Sassuolo lean heavily on the Serbian's 23 appearances and 2,011 minutes of assured midfield presence this season. His solitary goal and assist stats don't tell the full story—Matić operates as a deep-lying playmaker whose exceptional ball retention stabilizes transitions and protects possession under pressure. In a squad featuring younger talents like Laurienté and Pinamonti, Matić's 52-rated but experienced presence provides the tactical intelligence that rarely makes headlines but often saves matches. Remarkably disciplined with zero cards all season, this former Chelsea and Manchester United stalwart proves that class remains permanent. His €1.8m valuation reflects age, not worth—Sassuolo know they have a midfield general whose mere presence raises the level of those around him.