MIKAEL SILVESTRE

27. MIKAEL SILVESTRE

Mikael Silvestre was born on August 9, 1977 in Chambray-Les-Tours, France.

France international Mikael Silvestre began his career with French First Division club Rennes in the 1995/96 season. He made just one appearance that term.

The next year, he made 16 appearances, taking his tally up to 31 in the 1997/98 season.

Inter Milan spotted his potential, and signed him in time for the 1998/99 Serie A season. He made 18 League appearances, scoring one goal into the bargain. He also played six times in the European Cup, including the quarter-final second-leg, against Manchester United.

Silvestre, a centre-back who can also play at full-back, signed for Manchester United on 10 September 1999.

Mikael took his time to settle into English football, but showed flashes of the pace and skill that had persuaded Sir Alex Ferguson to sign him. He became United's first choice as partner to Jaap Stam in the centre of defence both in the League and in Europe.

In the 2000/01 season, Mikael switched to left-back on a full-time basis, and became a fixture in the side. Playing every game improved his consistency, and his good form earned him a call-up to the senior French team.

He made his full international debut on 27 February 2001, coming on as a 77th minute substitute for Marcel Desailly in a Stade de France friendly against Germany, a match the Euro 2000 Champions won 1-0. "I was really proud to be involved, even if it was only for a couple of days. I am determined to learn fast because we have quite a few friendlies coming up," said Mik after the match.

He held onto his place in the squad for friendly matches against Japan and Spain in March, the squad being named just five days before Mikael's wife Sev gave birth to their first child, a daughter named Evy.

Mik again came on as a substitute in the Japan match, but finally made his full debut on 28 March in a 2-1 defeat. He kept his place in the starting line up for April's match against Portugal, and opened his scoring account for the World Cup holders in a 4-0 triumph.

Then just days later, Mikael lifted the Premiership trophy for the second time in his career, having made 46 appearances and scoring one goal, a great effort against Leicester City in mid-March.

The joyful season didn't end there for Silvestre. In June 2001, he was a member of the France squad which won the Confederations Cup in Japan and Korea. Although he didn't play in the final, Mikael made a couple of appearances at centre-half in the group stages.

He was also selected for Roger Lemerre's World Cup 2002 squad, but did not make an appearance in France's disappointing attempt to defend the trophy won four years earlier.

Silvestre is adept as both a centre-back and a full-back, though he has stated that he prefers playing in the centre. His first season at Man Utd wasn't exceptional; replacing an injured Ronny Johnsen in the centre with Jaap Stam; but he has since improved and is now a regular first team member, being called up for France's national squad frequently.

He received criticism for his performance in Euro 2004, where he gave away penalties to both England and Croatia, before France were knocked out by Greece in the quarter-finals.

Silvestre's most positive attribute is his pace, and he often sets up scoring opportunities. He is also noted for his crossing and tackling abilities, though he isn't as adept at marking opposition strikers.