After spells with Maccabi Haifa, Racing Santander, West Ham United and, most impressively, Liverpool, Benayoun was signed by Chelsea in the summer of 2010 in a £5 million deal. Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti indicated it was the player's footballing brain that made his the perfect addition to his squad.

However, a serious injury heavily restricted his impact at Stamford Bridge and, when Andre Villas-Boas took charge, Benayoun failed to break into his first-team plans. Arsenal, in need of midfield creativity following the sales of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, moved to sign the player on loan on the final day of the August transfer window in 2011.

Strengths: His vision on the ball means he is useful in many areas in the midfield or in a more forward role, and he has shown an ability to deliver crucial goals.

Weaknesses: Can sometimes be seen as a little lightweight, being of slender build. Can be inconsistent and sometimes waits for things to happen, rather than being the instigator.

Career high: Scoring the winner for Liverpool in the Bernabeu as they beat Real Madrid 1-0 in a Champions League second-round tie in February 2009.

Career low: Losing the FA Cup final on penalties in 2006 as Liverpool defeated West Ham United.

Style: Skilful, quick-thinking, with neat finishing.

Quotes: "Joe Cole is quicker than Benayoun but Yossi is better tactically. He understands what I tell him. Yossi is a very intelligent player" Carlo Ancelotti, August 2010

Trivia: His nickname in Israel is The Diamond from Dimona.