Francis Coquelin

Key strength: Ball retention

Deep-lying playmaker

At 34, Francis Coquelin finds himself in the trenches at FC Nantes, where the mood is somber. The Canaries sit 17th in Ligue 1, reeling from five consecutive defeats, staring relegation squarely in the face. For a player who once patrolled Arsenal's midfield with tenacity, it's a stark reality. Coquelin's influence this season has been limited to just two appearances and 90 minutes of action, with no goals or assists to show for his contributions. Operating as a deep-lying playmaker, his defining strength—ball retention—offers a glimmer of composure in a side desperate for control. With Mostafa Mohamed leading the line and a squad short on confidence, the veteran Frenchman's experience could yet prove vital in the survival fight. His €800,000 market value tells the story of a career in its twilight, but in football's most unforgiving moments, old heads often matter most. Whether Coquelin can galvanize a floundering Nantes side remains to be seen—but time is running out.