PLAYER PROFILE

Wilfred Bouma

Position: Defence

Height: 6'0

Weight: 13st 2lbs

Date of Birth: 1978-06-15 Helmond, Netherlands

Wilfred Bouma

Aston Villa completed a £3.5million deal to sign Netherlands centre-back Wilfred Bouma from PSV Eindhoven in August 2005 towards the end of the transfer window.

David O'Leary moved for Bouma because of concerns about Martin Laursen's long-term fitness and the 27-year-old was thrilled to be handed the chance to test himself in the Premiership.

"I am really delighted to be joining Villa. It is a big club and I am really looking forward to playing for them in the Premier League," Bouma told the club's official website.

"I know Aston Villa want to be challenging at the top of the table and I want to help. I want to do my best to improve the club.

"The manager David O'Leary was a massive reason for my signing for Villa. I had a great talk with him and he made it clear that he believes in me and my ability.

"That gives me confidence and that's important for me. I had a good feeling about Villa - with their history of being a big club and the people I have spoken to from the club were all very helpful. That's why I chose Aston Villa."

Bouma was a member of the PSV side that reached the semi-finals of the Champions League last season and has also earned four Eredivisie winner's medals since progressing from Eindhoven's youth set-up.

His first season at Villa Park, however, was somewhat muted as he played only 21 times. 2006/07 was more successful though as he played 25 times, becoming an important part of Martin O'Neill's plans along the way.

This fine form continued into the 2007/08 and 2008/09 seasons as he further cemented his place as a vital part of the squad.