Nicolás Tagliafico

Key strength: Pace and recovery

Overlapping full-back

At 33, Nicolás Tagliafico continues to patrol the left flank for Olympique Lyon, currently sitting 3rd in Ligue 1 as Les Gones mount a serious challenge for European qualification. The Argentine World Cup winner, valued at €5 million, has featured in 4 appearances this season, clocking 360 minutes and registering a crucial assist while anchoring Lyon's defensive structure. Tagliafico's game is built on positional discipline and experienced reading of the play—he may not possess the electric pace of his youth anymore, but his defensive awareness and ability to contribute in build-up play remain crucial to Lyon's system under pressure. Playing alongside former Bayern Munich star Corentin Tolisso and the promising Malick Fofana, Tagliafico offers balance and maturity on the left side, providing defensive stability while supporting attacking transitions when opportunities arise. As Lyon navigate a competitive Ligue 1 campaign with their sights set on Champions League football, Tagliafico's veteran presence and championship pedigree—earned across his storied stint at Ajax and Argentina's triumphant 2022 World Cup campaign—make him an invaluable asset. His leadership and consistency at left-back give the manager confidence in the defensive structure, allowing Lyon's more attack-minded players to flourish knowing they have a reliable, battle-tested defender anchoring the flank.