Position: Defender

Born: 21.10.81

Club: Manchester United

Nemanja Vidic was thrust into the limelight by his performances in Serbia and Montenegro's virtually impenetrable defence during World Cup qualifying.

Alongside Goran Gavrancic, Mladen Krstajic and Ivica Dragutinovic, Vidic formed part of an unforgiving defence which conceded just one goal in ten matches.

In January 2006 Manchester United had seen enough and paid £7.5million to Spartak Moscow for Vidic, who had just been voted Serbo-Montenegrin footballer of the year.

Vidic's career began at Crvena Zvezda (formerly Red Star Belgrade) where he learned his trade as a tough, battling defender, making his debut in the 2001/2002 season.

In three seasons for Crvena Zvezda, Vidic appeared 67 times, scored 12 goals and departed as skipper, despite being just 22. He left the club as champions of Serbia and Montenegro.

At Spartak his reputation as an unflinching central defender was enhanced, with 12 bookings in 2005 giving an insight into his uncompromising nature.

In the short time he has spent at Manchester United ...

Tall and strong, Vidic is a powerhouse in the air whilst fleet of foot on the ground.

Drawn in the group of death - with Argentina, Holland and the Ivory Coast - Serbia and Montenegro's hopes of a succesful World Cup will be founded on defence, of which Vidic will play a crucial role.