Gonçalo Franco

Franco spent several seasons in Portugal's top flight learning how to control the tempo of a match through where and when he releases the ball, rather than relying on power to win it back himself. That approach translated to England quicker than anyone at Swansea could reasonably have expected. Supporters voted him their standout performer inside his first year at the club. He is at his best in the pockets of space between opposition lines, where a clever first touch buys him just enough time to pick the pass that actually hurts a team.

The challenge now is whether opponents adjust. A player whose value depends on time and space in midfield tends to get closed down more aggressively once rival coaches have watched enough footage to identify the danger. Watch whether Franco starts finding that half second harder to come by as the Championship works him out.