Kanya Fujimoto

Fujimoto plays through the middle with a technical sharpness that stands out most in tight areas, turning away from pressure rather than simply passing the ball sideways under it. He built that habit in Japan before a loan spell in Portugal tested it properly, scoring against Sporting CP and earning a midfielder of the month award during that spell. That recognition in one of Europe's technically demanding leagues suggested his ability could translate beyond Japanese football.

The open question is whether that sharpness holds up in the more physical, higher tempo environment of English football compared with the pace often found in Portugal. Central midfielders who thrive on technique alone can occasionally get bullied out of games in England if they are not comfortable in duels. How quickly Fujimoto adds that physical edge to his game will likely decide how big a role he plays.