1) Loris Karius (Schalke goalkeeper)
Mistakes have a habit of sticking in professional sport, as Karius knows all too well. The German stopper's credentials were rocked by an unfortunate mishap in the UEFA Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid back in 2018, with subsequent stints at Besiktas, Union Berlin and Newcastle United doing little to revive his top-level career.
The winds of change are beginning to blow in the 31-year-old's favour, though, following a promising loan spell at Schalke during the latter half of 2024/25. Although injury restricted his playing time as the Royal Blues sailed far too close to the relegation wind for comfort, Karius has since been kitted out not only with a permanent deal but also the No.1 jersey.
Ahead of the Ruhr club's third straight season in the second tier, the ex-Liverpool custodian's experience and command of the penalty box could prove the difference between a repeat showing - or worse - and a serious tilt to get back to the top-flight promised land.
