Olivier Boscagli

Key strength: Aerial dominance

Defensive anchor

Struggling in 14th place and mired in a five-match losing streak, Brighton & Hove Albion need leaders to emerge from their defensive reshuffle. Enter Olivier Boscagli, the 28-year-old French centre-back whose summer arrival on a five-year deal is already showing dividends. With 9 appearances, 1 goal and 1 assist from 591 minutes of action, Boscagli offers more than just defensive solidity—his composure on the ball brings a much-needed calm to a backline under pressure. The left-footed defender, valued at €20 million, provides Roberto De Zerbi with rare versatility, slotting comfortably at centre-back, left-back, or even defensive midfield. In a competitive defensive unit alongside Jan Paul van Hecke and club captain Lewis Dunk, Boscagli's aerial dominance and intelligent distribution from deep are proving assets in Brighton's possession-based system. His goal contribution already demonstrates he's unafraid to join attacks when the moment demands. As the Seagulls fight to arrest their slide down the table, the Frenchman's adaptability and technical quality may prove the tactical spark needed to turn their season around.