Issa Diop

Diop wins his aerial duels through timing, attacking the ball at its highest point rather than relying on being taller than whoever he is marking. What separates him from a big centre back is his recovery speed. That allows him to close down attackers who might exploit a slower defender out of position. He built a reputation across two top flight clubs before switching international allegiance and gaining tournament experience few defenders anywhere have had.

Even mobile centre backs his size can struggle with quick, direct forwards who change direction rather than running in a straight line, since pace helps only if the angle stays predictable. Diop has shown he can cope with runners in behind, but the sharpest attackers in the league test defenders differently than a foot race does. How he handles that particular kind of movement will say more about him than any aerial contest could.