Graeme Le Saux

Following England's ignominious exit from Euro 2000, there was one piece of short-term good news for the national side with Graeme's return to full fitness who filled the problem position at left back.

In just his fourth start of 2000-01, he was appointed stand-in skipper for Chelsea under new boss Claudio Ranieri for the vital game at Manchester United and he produced an inspirational performance, creating all three of the Blues' goals against the reigning champions and securing the draw with a sensational goal-line clearance to deny Andy Cole.

Unfortunately, just three matches later his campaign was interrupted with a red card at Sunderland and he then joined an appallingly long injury list at Stamford Bridge with an achilles tendon problem that sidelined him until the first week of January.

His absence left Chelsea unbalanced in defence, while his surging runs down the left flank were sorely missed - one of several factors contributing to a relatively under-achieving season for the Blues.