Petit - cultured midfield man. (Allsport)

Position: Midfield
Born: 22.09.70
Club: Chelsea

Combative and skilful midfielder whose temper occasionally lets him down, Petit remains one of the best midfielders in Europe.

Started his career with French club ES Argues before moving to the strong Monaco side of the mid-1990s where he spent nine years, winning the French Championship in 1997.

Voted France's young player of the year in 1990, Petit came of age for his country in France 1998, capping a series of strong performances with the third goal in France's 3-0 final triumph over Brazil.

He switched to England in 1997 and was a key member of Arsenal's 1997-98 double winning side in just his debut season, where his wonderful skills alongside international team-mate Patrick Vieira gave the Gunners the best midfield duo in the country.

Unfortunately for Arsenal fans, after helping France win Euro 2000, he opted for a move to Barcelona with Marc Overmars in 2000, although his spell at the Nou Camp failed to see him hold down a regular starting spot.

Chelsea rescued him from the Barca reserves in June last year and signed him for £7.5million, although he has yet to make a name for himself at Stamford Bridge after picking up a series of injuries.

Marked his return to fitness - and form - with a goal in the friendly against Romania in February, which France won 2-1.

If Petit is fully-fit for this summer's tournament, he will make up one of the greatest midfield line-ups of recent times.