Position: Defender/Midfielder Born: 05/02/75 Club: Barcelona

Gio Van Bronckhorst is now a veteran of the Holland team, making his debut all the way back in 1996, but the versatile Barcelona star is not finished yet.

His first steps as a professional came at RKC Waalwijk where he was sent out on loan from parent club Feyenoord in the 1993/94 season.

Strong performances at Feyenoord earned him a place in the national team and, in 1998, an #5 million move to Rangers where he linked up with Dutch coach Dick Advocaat.

Van Bronckhorst starred in a defensive midfield role as Rangers won every domestic trophy. His defensive strength and long range goals caught the eye of Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger and he paid #8.5 million for him in the summer of 2001.

Van Bronckhorst was part of Arsenal's double winning team that year, but never really settled and a cruciate knee ligament injury sidelined him for most of the following season.

A loan move to Barcelona became permanent in 2004 and he has played a big part in the resurgence of the club.

Operating mainly at left back these days, Holland will need players of his experience and quality if they are to succeed in Germany