PLAYER PROFILE

Mario Melchiot

Position: Defence

Height: 6'2

Weight: 12st 0lbs

Date of Birth: 1976-11-04 Amsterdam, Netherlands

Mario Melchiot

Mario Melchiot is another in the long line of towering Dutch defenders that have come off the Ajax production line. The powerful full-back, who can also play in the centre of defence, played over one hundred games for the Dutch giants before moving to Chelsea in the summer of 1999 on a free transfer, courtesy of the Bosman ruling.

A combination of injury and the fierce competition for places that exists at Chelsea limited Melchiot's appearances in the Blues' first team. He was however able to end his first season in English football by playing his part in Chelsea's FA Cup victory over Aston Villa at the end of the 1999-2000 season. This success continued into the next campaign where his superb goal in the Charity Shield against Manchester United helped Chelsea to a 2-0 victory over the champions and cemented his place in the Chelsea rearguard.

In 2001/02, he made an impressive 54 appearances, scoring 2 goals. He was at the centre of controversy twice, firstly for a red card he received against Haipoia Tel-Aviv for kicking out at an opponent. Then, in January, a foul by Melchiot was punished by the referee, who mistakenly sent off Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. After the game, the red card was given to Melchiot.

Despite these incidents, it was another good season for the Dutch defender, who also made a number of international appearances. In 2002/03, he continued to command a regular place in the Chelsea line-up, partly thanks to an improved disciplinary record and he played a big part in their Champions League qualification.

However, the signing of young Glen Johnson put some pressure on his place in the first team, and at the end of the 2003/04 season, Melchiot was released to find a new club.

Birmingham boss Steve Bruce promptly snapped up Melchiot on a free transfers and in his first season under Bruce, Melchiot played 38 games and scored once - in a 3-1 defeat at Charlton - as he helped the Blues to another satisfying season. His opportunites for Holland diminished, however, as he played only two matches against Andorra and Finland.

However, 2005/06 was a less happy campaign for Melchiot as a series of costly blunders lead to him losing the support of the Birmingham fans and after their relegation he left the club to join Rennes. A year later he was back in England again though, signing for Wigan Athletic on a free transfer.