Leonardo Balerdi

Key strength: Aerial dominance

Defensive anchor

Sitting 7th in Ligue 1 with a flickering WWLDL record that oscillates between promise and frustration, Olympique Marseille are searching for consistency. Yet through this turbulence, Leonardo Balerdi remains their immovable foundation. The 27-year-old Argentine centre-back has been an ironman this season, anchoring the backline with 27 appearances and over 2,100 minutes of unwavering service—a testament to both his durability and importance. His €18 million valuation reflects a defender who marries South American grit with European tactical nous. Balerdi's 65 defending rating showcases his aerial dominance and positional intelligence, while his remarkable discipline—just three yellow cards across those 27 matches—speaks to his composure under pressure. Though his attacking return of one goal and one assist barely scratches the surface of his contributions, he provides the defensive security that allows creative talents like Igor Paixão and Angel Gomes to flourish ahead of him. In a Marseille side desperate to steady the ship and push for European places, Balerdi is the unsung sentinel preventing further drift.