Position: Defender
Born: 09.08.77
Club: Manchester United

At his best, Mickael Silvestre is a strong and pacy defender whose versatility makes him an excellent squad member. The problem is the frequent lapses in concentration that have Manchester United fans tearing their hair out.

Having begun his career with Rennes in his homeland, Silvestre caught the attention of Italian giants Inter Milan. But he found opportunities limited with the Nerazzurri and United swooped to pip Liverpool in the race for Silvestre's signature as they sought to build on their astonishing Treble-winning success of 1999.

Ironically he made his United debut in a 3-2 win at Anfield but struggled somewhat in his first season in Manchester despite being deployed in what he maintains is his favourite position of central defence.

Since then he has flitted between centre-back and left-back and that versatility means it is not certain where he will play for Les Bleus, if at all, this summer.

Just two years ago the 28-year-old defender went into Euro 2004 as a first choice but his record of just two full qualifying appearances for this tournament suggests that may not be the case this time around in Germany.