PLAYER PROFILE

Nigel de Jong

Position: Midfield

Height: 5'10

Weight: 11st 5lbs

Date of Birth: 1984-11-30 Amsterdam, Netherlands

Nigel de Jong

Talented midfielder Nigel de Jong is the son of former Holland international Jerry de Jong and began his playing career a year after his father hung up his boots. De Jong junior was part of Ajax's famous youth set-up and became a regular in the first team as well as breaking into the national team in 2004.

Two years later he left Ajax to join German side Hamburg, but a knee injury ruled him out of the 2006 World Cup. He did well at his new club and continued to make international appearances, playing a key role in Holland's performances at Euro 2008.

In January 2009 he moved to Manchester City for an undisclosed fee. His first half-season saw de Jong establish himself as a key figure in the City team, settling quickly into English football.