Emil Krafth

Key strength: Pace and recovery

Overlapping full-back

In a Newcastle United side sitting 12th in the Premier League after a rollercoaster run of results (LWWWL), Swedish right-back Emil Krafth remains the unsung anchor along the Magpies' defensive line. The 31-year-old veteran has quietly clocked 540 minutes across 6 appearances this season—a testament to Eddie Howe's trust in his reliability when defensive discipline is required. While the attacking headlines belong to Bruno Guimarães and Anthony Elanga ahead of him, Krafth's 78-rated defensive acumen and tireless work rate create the platform for their creativity. With 0 goals and 0 assists, his contribution won't flash on stat sheets, but his 76 pace and 75 physicality allow him to neutralize threatening wingers while his 72 passing keeps the build-up ticking. Valued at a modest €2 million and wearing the number 17, Krafth embodies an increasingly rare breed: the traditional defensive fullback who prioritizes clean sheets over highlight reels, letting Newcastle's stars shine while he guards the back door.