Marc Guéhi

Blistering speed: The Crystal Palace centre-backs falls into that rare category of centre-back who possesses in addition to great physical attributes, an abundance of pace. It comes as little surprise that he is held in such high esteem by coaches in the game. A complete modern day defender.

Born in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, his emigrated to England when he was just one-year old. At the age of five he joined the youth academy of Cray Wanderers and was soon plucked out by Chelsea Football Club a couple of years later. The defender achieved unprecedented success within the Blues’ youth ranks, winning a host of silverware with the U18s, including both domestic and UEFA competitions. He made his debut for Chelsea in the EFL cup, routing minnows Grimbsy Town 7-1. The defender decided to go out on loan in search of regular first-team opportunities. A move to Swansea City was on the cards in 2020. He made 59 appearances for The Swans and his form earned him a move to Premier League club Crystal Palace the following summer. The Eagles paid a premium fee of £18 million to secure the services of the prodigious defender.