As the Spain LaLiga2 2025/26 season unfolds, a new wave of young talents is making a name for themselves across the league. From commanding defenders to dynamic forwards, these players are proving their worth with standout performances and impressive data-driven contributions. Using advanced performance metrics, we break down their impact, strengths, and potential, giving a data-driven perspective on why these rising stars are ones to watch. Let’s dive into the numbers and uncover what makes them stand out in Spain LaLiga2.
Powered by CompaGPT, the next-generation AI solution from Comparisonator, this analysis simplifies complex football data into clear, actionable insights. With its cutting-edge features, CompaGPT revolutionizes squad analysis, delivering an instant, in-depth assessment of team performance. In just seconds, it pinpoints standout players, uncovers rising young talents, and identifies key areas for enhancement.
Beyond traditional analysis, CompaGPT offers strategic intelligence to refine transfer strategies. By detecting high-potential signings, it empowers clubs to strengthen key positions and scout future stars with accuracy. With CompaGPT, raw data transforms into valuable, data-driven insights, providing teams with a decisive advantage in the transfer market.
“Rising Star” 4 Best U23 Players Spain LaLiga2 2025/26 Season So Far
David Torres (‘03) (CB) – Real Valladolid
David Torres‘s CompaGPT Parameters League Duels report:
David Torres ranks 1st out of 14 centre-backs in Duels per match (14.5) and Duels won per match (8.45). The closest competitor, Kazunari Kita, records 13.69 duels and 8.38 duels won per match. This combination of volume and success indicates a defender who is constantly engaged and capable of sustaining efficiency despite heavy defensive workload. Tactically, this profile aligns with centre-backs operating in high-defensive-action environments, such as mid-to-low blocks or teams facing sustained opposition pressure. He is also 1st out of 14 in Ground duels – Defensive (6.41) and Ground duels won – Defensive (3.91) per match, marginally ahead of Oscar Naasei (5.7) and Dani Barcia (3.84). This highlights strong timing, anticipation, and body positioning in defensive ground situations. From a tactical perspective, this can be valuable in systems requiring centre-backs to step out aggressively into midfield zones or defend large spaces behind full-backs.
David Torres’ standout seasonal strengths lie in duel volume, duels won per match, and defensive ground duel dominance, where he consistently ranks 1st or 2nd among under-23 centre-backs in Segunda División. His profile suggests a high-engagement defensive centre-back, well-suited for teams that require constant defensive intervention and resilience under pressure. Tactically, he can be used effectively as a primary defensive stopper, particularly in structures that protect aerial zones collectively and allow him to focus on ground-based defensive actions. His development trajectory may benefit from improved duel efficiency percentages and expanded contribution in offensive ground phases, which could enhance suitability for possession-dominant or high-line systems.
David Torres (‘03) (CB) – Real Valladolid
Jorge Salinas (‘07) (LB) – Racing Santander
Jorge Salinas‘s CompaGPT Parameters League Duels report:
Jorge Salinas ranks 1st out of 16 LBs in total duels, averaging 21.63 duels per match, outperforming the next best, Álex Lizancos (19.4). He also leads the position in duels won per match (11.75), again ranking 1st, ahead of Lizancos (10.25). This combination of volume and success rate indicates a player who is constantly involved in defensive and transitional actions. Tactically, this suggests Salinas can be relied upon in systems where the LB is frequently exposed to 1v1 situations and repeated defensive actions. Salinas leads all LBs in ground duels per match (14.94) and ground duels won per match (8.38), both ranking 1st out of 16. His defensive ground duel output is particularly strong, with 9.5 defensive ground duels and 6.25 defensive ground duels won per match, also ranking 1st in both categories. Compared to Rafita (8 defensive ground duels, 4.9 won), Salinas shows superior consistency and effectiveness. This profile highlights strong timing, tackling ability, and defensive resilience, making him well-suited to low-block or mid-block structures. Salinas ranks 1st out of 16 in air duels per match (4.44) and air duels won per match (2.19). He also leads in defensive air duels won (1.19), ahead of Diego Sánchez (0.81). For a left back, this aerial involvement is notable and may indicate frequent back-post defending or usage in teams facing high crossing volume. This strength can be tactically valuable against opponents who attack wide and rely on crosses.
Jorge Salinas’ standout seasonal strengths are his 1st-place rankings in total duels, duels won, ground duels (total and defensive), air duels (total and defensive), and loose ball duels won. These parameters define him as one of the most physically engaged and defensively reliable young left backs in the league. His main limitations appear in duel efficiency percentages, pressing activity, and offensive ground duel success, which shape him more as a defensive stabilizer than an attacking catalyst at this stage of his development.
Jorge Salinas (‘07) (LB) – Racing Santander
Gustavo Puerta (‘03) (DMF) – Racing Santander
Gustavo Puerta‘s CompaGPT Parameters League Passing report:
Puerta ranks 1st out of 20 in overall passing volume with 55.76 passes per match, and again 1st in successful passes (51.24) with an elite 91.88% accuracy. Compared to the next closest performer, Peio Canales (52.63 passes, 46.38 successful), Puerta operates at a clearly higher volume while maintaining superior efficiency. This combination indicates a midfielder who can be trusted as a primary circulation hub, capable of sustaining tempo and offering constant availability in possession. He leads his peer group in forward passes (19.65), successful forward passes (17.24), progressive passes (7.29), and successful progressive passes (6.0) per match, all ranked 1st out of 20. His efficiency rates are also best-in-class, with 87.72% success on forward passes and 82.26% on progressive passes. Compared with players like Thiago Ojeda or Peio Canales, Puerta combines higher frequency with higher success, suggesting strong decision-making when breaking opposition lines from deeper zones. He ranks 1st out of 20 in passes in the opposition half (30.35) and successful passes in the opposition half (27.76), supported by a strong 91.47% accuracy in that zone. This shows that Puerta not only progresses the ball forward but also maintains control under increased pressure. Tactically, this points to a midfielder comfortable operating beyond the first line of pressure, sustaining possession in compact structures.
Gustavo Puerta’s seasonal profile is defined by elite rankings in passing volume, progression, forward distribution, final-third access, and positional reliability, with multiple 1st-place rankings across key passing metrics among U23 DMF/CMF players. His main limitations relate to chance creation, smart passing, and long-range distribution, which shape him more as a controller and facilitator rather than a decisive creator.
Gustavo Puerta (‘03) (DMF) – Racing Santander
Chupe (‘04) (CF) – Malaga
Chupe‘s CompaGPT Parameters League Offensive report:
Chupe ranks 1st out of 10 in goals scored with 0.5 goals per match, matching the best performer Adrián Niño. This output is supported by his league-leading xG of 0.34 per match (1st/10), indicating consistent access to high-quality scoring situations rather than reliance on low-probability chances. Additionally, he leads all peers in penalties won (0.15 per match) and successful penalties (0.1 per match), reinforcing his value in decisive moments. Tactically, this profile suggests a forward who can be relied upon as a primary finisher and penalty-box reference. With 0.8 playing in scoring attacks per match, Chupe ranks 1st out of 10, ahead of the next closest peer at 0.6. This highlights his regular participation in attacking sequences that end with goals, not only as a finisher but also as a structural component of the final phase. From a tactical perspective, this can suit systems that emphasize central forwards linking play before attacking the box. Chupe places 2nd out of 10 in shots on target (0.95 per match) and ranks 4th in shots on target percentage (61.29%) as well as shots on target converted to goals (52.63%). While not leading these metrics, his combination of volume and efficiency indicates a balanced shooting profile. Compared to the leaders, his accuracy is competitive, supporting his role as a reliable option rather than a high-variance shooter.
Chupe’s seasonal profile highlights elite rankings in goals, xG, penalties, and involvement in scoring attacks, positioning him among the most effective under-23 CFs in the Segunda División from a pure offensive output perspective. His strengths point toward a striker who thrives when close to goal, benefits from structured attacking patterns, and can also support combinations in the final third. From a tactical usage standpoint, Chupe may be best deployed as a central reference in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2, where his finishing, penalty-box instincts, and link-up play are maximized. Limiting prolonged isolation dribbling and surrounding him with creative wide players or advanced midfielders can help mitigate his weaker dribbling efficiency and enhance his overall offensive impact.
Chupe (‘04) (CF) – Malaga
