Key strength: Aerial dominance
Defensive anchor
At 30 years old, Serbian centre-back Nikola Maras anchors Deportivo Alavés' backline as they compete in 7th place, defying pre-season expectations. With aerial dominance as his calling card, Maras has established himself as the defensive anchor in a side finding unexpected consistency. While his €800,000 market value reflects experience over raw potential, his FIFA defensive rating of 55 outshines several teammates, underscoring his importance to Alavés' structure. Partnering with a dynamic midfield featuring Antonio Blanco (71) and Carlos Vicente (70), Maras provides the stability that allows Alavés' attack-minded players to flourish. His 55 physicality rating translates to a commanding presence on set pieces—both defensive clearances and attacking contributions. As Alavés push for European qualification, Maras represents the unsung professional: no-frills defending, aerial authority, and the kind of reliability that managers build systems around. In a league increasingly obsessed with ball-playing defenders, Maras proves that old-fashioned aerial dominance and positional discipline remain invaluable assets.