Boy Kemper

Kemper spent several seasons establishing himself as a first choice left back in Dutch football before eventually wearing the captain's armband there. That role rarely goes to a defender unless teammates and coaches already trust his temperament under pressure. Supporters at his previous club warmed to him quickly, the sort of affection that follows players who defend honestly rather than chase highlight reel moments. That reputation for reliability is exactly what a new dressing room needs from an experienced arrival like him.

The obvious question with any defender moving to a new league is adaptation. Leadership qualities built in one footballing culture do not automatically transfer to a faster, more physical one overnight. How quickly he settles into organising a new back line will decide how much of that captaincy experience actually carries over here.