Marc Roca

Key strength: Ball retention

Deep-lying playmaker

Sitting 5th in the La Liga table, Real Betis Balompié's European ambitions rest on a foundation of unsung heroes—and few are more essential than Marc Roca. The 29-year-old Spanish defensive midfielder has quietly amassed an impressive return this season: 2 goals from just 3 appearances and 270 minutes of action. While teammates like Antony (80 rated) and Giovani Lo Celso (75 rated) grab headlines with flair, Roca's deep-lying playmaker role is the tactical anchor Manuel Pellegrini relies upon. With ball retention as his key strength and a passing game that knits together Betis's build-up play, he provides the platform for others to shine. Despite mixed recent form showing three losses and two draws in their last five outings, Roca's composed presence offers stability. Paired with the dynamic Sergi Altimira (80 rated) in midfield, his disciplined positioning allows more adventurous teammates to express themselves. At a market value of €4 million, he embodies the shrewd recruitment that keeps Betis competitive without lavish spending. In a squad blessed with South American creativity and attacking verve, Roca's understated Spanish steel could prove the difference between continental qualification and another near-miss.