Another gem in the overstocked Spanish midfield, Martinez joined Bilbao for €6 million from Osasuna in 2006 and he has emerged as a mainstay of their midfield in the years since.

Having started his career as a 10-year-old, he made his professional bow for Osasuna B back in 2005, netting twice in 32 games. Emerging as a powerful central midfielder, he moved on to Bilbao in the summer of 2006 and soon became a regular in the side - totting up an impressive 35 games for the club in the 2006-07 season.

Continuing to shine, Martinez helped Bilbao reach a Copa del Rey final and he was rewarded with the 2010 award for 'Breakthrough Player in La Liga'. A World Cup triumph followed (albeit one in which he only made one sub appearance) but he was at his devasting best as he led the U-21s to European glory the following year.

Manchester United and Liverpool were linked with a move for Martinez, but Bayern Munich took control of the situation and offered the €40 million that Bilbao were looking for at the end of the summer 2012 transfer window.

Strengths: A tough-tackler and comfortable on the ball he can start an attack as well as break up those of the opposition. At 6' 3'' he is also an aerial threat.

Weaknesses: Can be a little hot-headed and can always work on his positioning.

Career high: Played a bit-part role in winning the 2010 World Cup but led the Spanish U-21 side to glory at the European Championships in 2011 with a series of commanding performances.

Career low: Helping Bilbao to their first Copa del Rey final in 25 years, they were battered 4-1 by Barcelona in 2008-09.

Style: Powerful, strong, commanding, a leader in the middle of midfield.

Quotes: "I don't know Martinez. I have never seen him play. But if Bayern Munich are interested, he must be good. He must be special, otherwise FC Bayern would not be after him." Franz Beckenbauer, August 2012.

Trivia: He was born in Pamplona - the town in Navarre famed for its bull run.