Villa new boy Olof Mellberg has seemlessly filled the void left by Gareth Southgate, who joined Middlesbrough at the end of the 2000/2001 season.

Former Villa boss John Gregory immediately brought in Mellberg from Racing Santander for £5m and he has held together the Midlands club central defence ever since.

Such is his contribution at the Premiership club, that Aston Villa supporters voted him Player of the Year.

Sweden have tended to use him on the right of defence but, either way, he is one of the certainties to start every match for his country, if fit.

He pressures attackers superbly and rarely comes off second best in a challenge.