Quite simply, Cocu allows those around him to play, whether it be Rivaldo at the Nou Camp or Edgar Davids in the Dutch side.

Labelled by his detractors as something of a Jack-of-all-trades, Cocu can indeed play anywhere across the midfield, in both attacking and defensive roles - but his key strength is balancing the team.

He is generally used on the left side of midfield, where his intelligent play can often go unnoticed.

He did not make his international debut until April 1996, and as a result was limited to two substitute appearances during Euro 96.

But he was ever-present through Holland's run to the semi-finals of the last World Cup, and it was his form during that tournament that won him his move to Barcelona.