Vitor Reis

Reis defends through positioning and technique rather than physical confrontation, stepping across a striker's run or intercepting a pass before it becomes a duel he has to win with his body. On the ball he is comfortable receiving under pressure with either foot, turning away from a forward instead of hoofing the ball clear, which lets City keep building rather than resetting from a goal kick. He can also slide into a full back role when the system requires it, adding useful versatility.

The question for a young defender built this way is whether that composure survives contact with faster, more physical forwards who test him differently to before. Elegance on the ball counts for little if a striker simply muscles past him near his own goal. Watch how his body shape changes when the opponent in front of him is built to bully rather than be outplayed.