Jérémy Jacquet

Jacquet grew up in a Rennes academy that prizes composure on the ball ahead of pure physicality, and it shows in how he steps out of defence rather than hoofing the danger away. He looks up before he receives the pass, already deciding whether to carry it into midfield or thread it through a gap that has opened. That instinct to progress the ball separates him from a purely defensive stopper.

Jacquet has represented France at every recent youth level, which suggests a player the federation already rates highly for his generation. The real test is whether that composure survives regular Premier League football, a division far more physical than French youth tournaments or reserve fixtures. Watch how he copes when the pass is not actually on, because that is where young ball players usually get exposed.