Dion Sanderson

Sanderson's game is built around athleticism rather than sheer physical dominance. That makes him particularly suited to playing on the right side of a back three, where recovery pace and reading the game matter more than winning every individual duel. He covers ground quickly to snuff out danger before it reaches the penalty area, and that mobility lets a manager push the defensive line higher than they might risk with a more traditional stopper in the same role.

The tension around him is whether that athletic profile holds up in a back four rather than a back three, where the space he covers changes considerably and there is less protection either side of him. He has captained a club before, so the leadership is already there. It is really a question of which shape gets the most from the specific tools he offers.