Elio Modesto

This fiery Portuguese centre-back combines lightning-quick acceleration with a fearless style of play, though his relative lack of raw strength often forces him to rely on his aggression. Before every kickoff, he refuses to touch the ball with his hands and demands that a teammate scrub his boots with a toothbrush, a bizarre ritual that his confused but obedient teammates now perform without question. He is a man whose explosiveness makes him impossible to pass, even if his obsessive ritual leaves the entire dressing room shaking their heads.