1. Ignacio Camacho (Malaga)
A proposed move to West Brom didn’t materialise, but Camacho put the disappointment behind him to kick on with Malaga
Although the 26-year-old midfielder has had a patchy injury record in recent seasons, his quality is undeniable. A proposed move to West Brom didn’t materialise last summer, but Camacho put the disappointment behind him to kick on with Malaga once more. While he's primarily seen as a defence-minded player, there’s a lot more to the Spaniard’s game than tough-tackling grit: he’s chipped in with three goals and two assists in 14 league appearances this term, offering a solid blend of physical presence and technical ability in possession.
Would suit: West Brom, Everton
2. Ander Capa (Eibar)
The Eibar wing-back provides attacking presence and iron lungs on the right-hand side of the pitch
Athletic, marauding full-backs are modern football’s favourite flavour, and the fact that Ander Capa wears No.7 proves he fits the stereotype perfectly. The Eibar wing-back provides attacking presence and iron lungs on the right-hand side of the pitch, with his energy and stamina allowing him to contribute to his side’s forays forward from the first minute to the last.
Would suit: Swansea, Middlesbrough
3. Yeray (Athletic Club)
Yeray has been likened to Barcelona legend Carles Puyol since making the breakthrough earlier this year
Aymeric Laporte may be the most well-known Athletic centre-back, but the Frenchman has looked a little uncertain following his return from a lengthy injury lay-off. Yeray, who’s been likened to Barcelona legend Carles Puyol since making the breakthrough earlier this year, has deputised brilliantly for his team-mate, catching the eye with his impressive defensive work as well as his striking hairstyle.
Would suit: Leicester, Everton
4. Roque Mesa (Las Palmas)
The Las Palmas midfielder rarely misplaces a pass and is very much at home in Quique Setien’s system
The growth of a somewhat dodgy moustache in November may have led to a change in Roque Mesa’s appearance, but in footballing terms the 27-year-old remains Mr. Consistent. The Las Palmas midfielder rarely misplaces a pass and is very much at home in Quique Setien’s system at the Estadio Gran Canaria, although he’s now at an age where he may be tempted to seek a move abroad. His current club started the season in flying fashion but have come back down to earth in recent weeks, which could also add to his desire to depart in January.
Would suit: Everton, Middlesbrough
Next: Need a flying full-back? Look no further...
5. Joao Cancelo (Valencia)
Valencia are struggling down at the wrong end of the La Liga table and may find it difficult to keep hold of some of their better players
Equally happy to play as a right-back or as a winger on the same flank, the Portugal international has been linked with Manchester United and represents more of a complete package than either Antonio Valencia or Matteo Darmian. Valencia are struggling down at the wrong end of the La Liga table and may find it difficult to keep hold of some of their better players in January, while the 22-year-old Cancelo would presumably jump at the chance to join the Premier League giants. There’s still work to be done on the defensive side of his game, but the ex-Benfica star has the potential to become one of the world’s best full-backs.
Would suit: Manchester United
6. Manu Trigueros (Villarreal)
His three league goals and desire to break forward from central midfield in a 4-4-2 formation could be the tonic that Leicester need
After Marcelino’s high-profile departure from Villarreal just a few weeks before the start of the season, many thought the Yellow Submarine would struggle. Manu Trigueros has led their charge to fourth place in the standings, though, with the side arguably even better than they were last term. His three league goals and desire to break forward from central midfield in a 4-4-2 formation could be the tonic that Leicester need to turn their Premier League woes around.
Would suit: Leicester, Tottenham
7. Yuri (Real Sociedad)
The Spaniard has two goals and one assist to his name in 13 league appearances, while he’s also comfortable in possession and strong in the air
Real Sociedad have been one of the surprise packages of the Spain season, with first-choice left-back Yuri having established himself as a key figure in their challenge for the Champions League spots. The Spaniard has two goals and one assist to his name in 13 league appearances, while he’s also comfortable in possession and strong in the air. His eye for goal and accurate delivery from out wide could tempt Jurgen Klopp into the January market, particularly as Liverpool are in desperate need of a natural left-back.
Would suit: Liverpool
8. Mateo Kovacic (Real Madrid)
Kovacic was given a run of games in midfield and impressed with his drive, combativeness and range of passing
Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid squad has been ravaged by injury in the latter stages of 2016, with Casemiro, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos all consigned to the treatment table for long periods. In the former man’s absence, Kovacic was given a rare run of games in the heart of Los Blancos’ midfield and impressed with his drive, combativeness and range of passing; his recent taste of first-team action may tempt the Croatian to seek more of it on a regular basis, which could lead him through the exit door at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Would suit: Manchester United, Arsenal
