Aladji Bamba

Bamba made his name at academy level by winning tackles and duels at a rate that stood out even against senior professionals in his own league. That competitiveness is the first thing anyone watching him notices straight away, because he never seems to shrink from a physical contest. He does not shy away from contact, meeting bigger midfielders in the air and coming away with the ball more often than his limited experience would suggest he should manage.

The open question is whether that aggression survives a longer, more physically demanding season without becoming reckless. Young ball winners often get exposed for pace or positioning before their tackling technique catches up with the level around them. How quickly he learns exactly when not to dive into a challenge will decide how far he eventually goes in the game.