This uncertaincy has affected his form at international level, although he is almost certain to start for the Dutch in Euro 2000.

He prefers playing at centre-back, but he can also play sweeper and left-back and remains a danger with his free-kicks around the opposition penalty box.

Think Ronald Koeman and you see the sort of player de Boer would like to be.

Unsurprisingly, as a graduate of the Ajax youth system, he is equally adept at bringing the ball out of defence and knocking long raking passes up to the front two.

The most experienced player in the Dutch squad, he played in Euro 92 but missed the tournament four years later with an ankle injury.

He has also played in two World Cups, won the Champions League, Uefa Super Cup, Uefa Cup and four league titles with Ajax and added a Spanish league title in his first season with Barca.