Position: Defender
Born: 15.11.83
Club: Ajax

One of Holland's most exciting defensive prospects, Johnny Heitinga is seen as the long-term replacement for Jaap Stam in the centre of defence.

After recovering from serious injuries to both knees, Heitinga made his international senior debut at the age of 20 when he played against the United States in 2004.

And he didn't have to wait too long for his first goal when shortly after he scored in a comfortable 4-0 victory over Greece.

Heitinga made such an impact that he went on to play in three of Holland's five games at Euro 2004, seeing red against the Czech Republic only to return to score the crucial penalty in the quarter-final encounter against Sweden.

He has since endured mixed times at his club side Ajax, and has spent the last couple of seasons in and out of the team.