App.	Minutes on Pitch	Goals	Av. Rating	Star Man
3	253	0	6.67	0

The experienced defensive midfielder, nicknamed The Pitbull because of his fierce tackling, has won more than 50 caps for his country and remains a key part of the Portugal squad seven years after making his international debut. The 31-year-old has spent the last six years with Benfica but started his club career with Gil Vicente and then Boavista where he won the 2001 league title. He was linked with Barcelona, Manchester United and Lyon two years ago but opted to remain in Lisbon. He starred for his country at the World Cups of 2002 and 2006 but was restricted to only two substitute appearances at Euro 2004.