Deiver Machado

Key strength: Pace and recovery

Overlapping full-back

At 32 years old, Colombian left-back Deiver Machado finds himself in an intriguing position at RC Lens. While the club sits impressively 2nd in the table, Machado has been a squad player rather than a starter, logging 360 minutes across just 4 appearances this season with Matthieu Udol (rated 63) preferred in the position. Despite his €2.5m valuation and modest 47 rating, Machado's experience provides valuable depth for a side chasing European qualification. His overlapping full-back style and pace-and-recovery strengths have seen him deputize effectively when called upon. Though yet to register a goal or assist, his 4 appearances have contributed to Lens' remarkable campaign - proof that successful squads need reliable veterans willing to play their part, even in limited minutes. With one yellow card to his name, Machado represents the unsung glue of a high-flying team.