Joe Rothwell

Rothwell plays the position that makes everyone else look better, receiving under pressure and moving the ball on before an opponent can close him down. He has done this at enough clubs that the pattern is unmistakable, contributing to promotions without needing to be the headline name. Sheffield United brought him in for exactly that reliability in midfield.

The question with Rothwell is whether that calm holds up once he is no longer surrounded by teammates playing well, since his game depends on others functioning smoothly around him rather than on him carrying it alone. He rarely dominates a match alone, which sometimes leaves his contribution undervalued by supporters who prefer a flashier midfielder. Watch how often Sheffield United's attacks start with him rather than end with him, because that is where his real work happens.