Josh Wilson-Esbrand

Wilson-Esbrand's game is built on close control in tight areas, using a drop of the shoulder or a quick change of direction to get out of a one on one rather than simply looking for the nearest teammate. Guardiola has singled out his composure under pressure, noting he does not panic when an opponent closes him down in a congested area. He also competes aggressively for the ball defensively rather than sitting off and inviting a cross.

What he still has to prove is consistency in positioning, since an adventurous full back who commits to winning the ball can occasionally be caught upfield when possession turns over. Loan spells across several divisions and countries have sharpened that side of his game before he is trusted with a run of matches at the top level. Watch how his defensive discipline holds up as he progresses toward regular first team football.