Jonathan Varane

Varane's game is built around defensive volume rather than dictating play with the ball. He closes down space quickly with real athleticism and wins the ball back high up the pitch before an opposition attack has properly formed. His size makes him a real presence in the air too, and despite committing to so many challenges across a match he rarely picks up needless fouls, a sign of well timed rather than reckless defending. That combination suits a team that wants to press hard and counter attack quickly rather than dominate the ball for its own sake.

The obvious limitation is receiving the ball under pressure in tight areas, where his first touch can let him down and occasionally leads to costly turnovers. Simplifying his decision making in those moments, rather than adding more attacking quality, is really what stands between him and a genuinely complete midfield performance.