Ruud Van Nistelrooy

A terrific striker with a sensational goal-scoring record, his 44 goals in 2002-03 second only to Denis Law.

Ruud began his career with junior clubs Nooit Gedacht and Margriet.

Second Division Den Bosch became his first professional club but it wasn't until Ruud had moved to Heerenveen in the Dutch Eredivisie that he switched from midfield to a striking role.

He celebrated his 22nd birthday by signing for PSV Eindhoven for £4.2million - a record fee between Dutch clubs.

Ruud ended his first season at the Philips Stadion as Holland's top scorer with 31 league goals and was voted Dutch Player of the Year.

He was the leading marksman again in 1999-2000 (29 goals) as PSV clinched the Eredivisie title.

PSV's success culminated in despair though. With the Euro 2000 championships beckoning in his home country and a move to Manchester United on the cards, Ruud collapsed in agony on PSV's training ground having ruptured cruciate ligaments.

Duly restored, United got their man for a new British record fee of £19million in July 2001.

Although 2001-02 was to be the Manchester giants first trophy-less campaign for four years, Ruud's haul was 36 goals in all competitions. His consolation was being named the PFA's Player of the Year.

The Premiership crown returned to Old Trafford in 2002-03 with the Dutch master weighing-in with an astonishing total of 44 goals - 14 in the Champions League.

Ruud made his international debut against Germany in November 1998, having missed Euro 2000 through his knee injury.

Ruud scored Holland's winner in their 2-1 defeat of Ivory Coast in the Group C match at the 2006 World Cup finals.

He joined Real Madrid in July 2006 with a three-year contract.