Aleksander Bagge

This Danish centre-back combines imposing strength with an impeccable sense of positioning, making him a master of the slide tackle despite a lack of top-end sprint speed. Before every kickoff, he insists on balancing a buttered piece of toast on his left boot for ten seconds for good luck, a bizarre ritual that his teammates watch only with stifled laughter. On the pitch, he is a humble wall who neutralizes opponents with absolute calm and refined technique.