Still only 23, he made his international debut in 1997 and as a result was in the shadow of Marc Overmars during the last World Cup - at least until his fabulous goal against Croatia in the third-place play-off.

That year he won Dutch Player of the Year and sealed his move to Barcelona with a series of sparkling displays on the wing.

Thus his conversion to a defensive role at the Nou Camp, keeping Catalan favourite Sergi out of the starting line-up, has come as somewhat of a surprise.

No matter. Zenden has shown he is up to the task - and he may even be considered in that defensive role for the national team.

Opposition hard-men should also beware putting the boot in - Zenden is a judo expert, and a former junior Dutch champion.