Ladislav Krejcí

Krejčí competes for every header as though conceding one would be a personal insult, using genuine size and physical strength to win contests that a smaller centre back simply cannot enter into. His aggression extends to challenges on the ground too, closing down attackers with real intent rather than backing off and inviting a shot. That combativeness has made him a leader wherever he has played, eventually earning the captaincy of his national team as recognition of exactly that authority.

The same aggression that makes him such a difficult opponent has occasionally tipped into indiscipline, with a history of red cards that suggests the line between committed and reckless is one he has crossed more than once. A defence built around a player like this needs him available rather than serving a suspension. Watch how he manages the big physical moments in a match, because that self control determines whether his aggression helps or actually costs his team.