Joris Mathijsen is a commanding presence at the heart of the Dutch defence.
The 28-year-old played in 11 of Holland's qualifiers for Euro 2008 and, barring injury, he will start the championship's in Austria & Switzerland.
Mathijsen is currently plying his trade in Germany and is one of the clutch of Dutchmen at Hamburg.
Mathijsen began his career at Willem II, coming through the youth system in Tilburg.
He was snapped up by AZ Alkmaar in 2004 - the same year picked up his first international cap.
Mathijsen blossomed at AZ and within two-years a host of clubs were chasing his signature before Hamburg eventually landed him.
A good performance at Euro 2008 could again see him come under the gaze of interested clubs, with a number of Premier League clubs known admirers of him.
















Holland