Sol Campbell - defensive rock (Allsport).

Position: Defender
Born: 18.09.74
Club: Arsenal

Strong defender who risked the wrath of half of North London when he joined Arsenal from bitter rivals Spurs last summer.

But since that high-profile free transfer Campbell has proved himself again to be a top-class stopper.

Was becoming a White Hart Lane legend before that move - skippering the side and proving their finest player.

Played up front when he first burst onto the Tottenham first-team scene, and can also turn out at full-back.

But once lodged in the centre of defence, he really proved that was his best position.

Strong in the air and commanding on the ground, Campbell is a formidable barrier for opposing attackers.

Now has the chance to measure himself against the best strikers around with the Gunners in the Champions League.

And is making a good fist of the unenviable job of replacing Tony Adams at the heart of the Arsenal defence.

One weakness at international level may be that he isn't totally comfortable on the ball.

But his defensive qualities more than make up for that lack of technical ability.

Was a star for Glenn Hoddle's side in France in 1998 - and was especially brilliant in the 10-man rearguard action against Argentina.

That led to all of Europe's top clubs battling for his signature when he eventually decided to leave Spurs.

But his love of the capital saw him jilt the likes of Barcelona to move up the road to Arsenal.

Showed his strength of character when overcoming a hostile crowd to help Arsenal draw on his return to White Hart Lane.