This central defender cut his teeth alongside former England international Des Walker at Nottingham Forest and made his debut as fresh-faced 19-year-old against Walsall. After winning England Under-21 honours and even training with the senior squad Tottenham came calling to snap-up Dawson for a reported fee of £8 million in 2005.

His fully-committed attitude made him an instant hit with the fans and established a solid partnership with Ledley King in his first season at White Hart Lane. He has always been an important part of the Spurs rear guard but has a break-through season in 2009/10 to establish him as first choice.

International recognition followed as England manger Fabio Capello included the defender in his preliminary provisional 30-man squad for the World Cup. Dawson missed out on the final 23 but was recalled following an injury to Rio Ferdinand. Unfortunately he didn't get to play a game in South Africa but made his senior debut in friendly against Hungary soon after.

Strengths: A strong player with good aerial ability and positional sense, who is also capable on the ball and can chip in with the odd goal.

Weaknesses: He is not what you'd call an elegant player and is not blessed with exceptional pace.

Career high: Making his long-awaited England debut against Hungary at Wembley in 2010 after being voted Tottenham Hotspur's Player Of The Year.

Career low: His costly slip on a very poor Wembley pitch allowed Portsmouth's Frederic Piquionne to score the winning goal for the underdogs in the 2010 FA Cup semi-final.

Style: Fearless and committed defender who specialises last-gasp, goal-saving tackles and blocks.

Quotes: "He's the best English defender I have played against." Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez.

Trivia: Michael is the younger brother of Hull City defender Andy Dawson and Worksop Town stopper Kevin Dawson.