Arbeloa was never the most popular of figures during his time at Liverpool and it was something of a surprise when Real Madrid offered him a route back to Spain. His ability to play in a variety of positions across the back line, makes him a useful squad player to have, but he will never be one to get fans excited.

Arbeloa had actually begun his career with Madrid, and played twice for the first team in 2004-05. He moved on to Deportivo after failing to make the breakthrough and lasted one season before catching the eye of Liverpool.

His debut saw him keep Lionel Messi quiet in a 2-1 win over Barcelona in the Champions League, but during his two years at the club, he failed to reach the same heights. Having failed to sparkle at Anfield, he was allowed to leave in July 2009 and he moved back for a second spell at Madrid for €6 million.

Very much a back-up player for Spain, Arbeloa was still a part of the squads that won both the 2008 European Championships and the 2010 World Cup.

Strengths: Able to play with both feet, he can slot in at right or left-back and boasts good stamina.

Weaknesses: Not the tallest, he can be caught out of position and is found wanting when up against a player of real pace.

Career high: Winning the World Cup with Spain in 2010, despite making just one substitute appearance.

Career low: He made just nine appearances in his first season with Liverpool.

Style: Versatile, solid, an excellent squad player.

Quotes: ''Madrid has the best players in the world and although that is great for the club, unfortunately that's not so great for cantera players; only a few of us can find their place in the first team.'' Alvaro Arbeloa on leaving Madrid in 2005.

Trivia: Arbeloa sent this video to team-mates during the World Cup in a bid to inspire them to victory. Evidently it worked.