Giovanni van Bronckhorst

Giovanni van Bronckhorst learnt his trade in the youth ranks of Dutch club Feyenoord but has spent most of his professional career abroad. He joined FC Barcelona for the 2003-04 season, on-loan from Premier League side Arsenal.

After a great first season, Gio signed a definitive transfer deal with FC Barcelona.

He took his first steps as a professional with RKC Waalwijk in the 1993-94 season on loan from Feyenoord and then returned to Rotterdam for the following four seasons, where he played alongside Henrik Larsson. He started to make a name for himself on the international stage which led to a move to Glasgow Rangers in the 1998-99 season, where he stayed for three seasons at the orders of Dutch coach Dick Advocaat.

His successes in Scottish football brought him to the attention of Arsenal, who signed him for 13 million euros for the 2001-02 season. At the orders of French coach Arsène Wenger, Gio won the Premier League title in the 2001-2002 season. A cruciate knee ligament injury kept him sidelined for most of the 2002-03 season.

Since he joined Barca in the summer of 2003, Gio has been a regular in Rijkaard's team. He made his debut in the starting line-up in the opening game of the season at San Mamés just days after signing for the Club and went on to play 34 league matches.

In the following season, the left of the defence was strengthened by the arrival of Sylvinho and the two players have provided excellent cover for the left back position since then. Gio played 29 matches in the title-winning 2004-05 season, scoring 4 goals, an outstanding contribution from a fullback.

A full international with Holland, he made his debut in 1996 against Brazil (2-2).

In the 2005-06 season, Gio continued competing for the left back position with Sylvinho, but was given more opportunities in the Champions League. In fact, he was the only player to appear in all 13 games in the competition, and only missed 21 minutes of the away game at Chelsea through injury.

CHARACTERISTICS

A free-ranging left-sided player, he adapts well to either a defensive or midfield role. During his time with Feyenoord he played mostly in midfield but later, with Glasgow Rangers, he started to play a more defensive role due to the needs of the team at that time. He's an experienced, reliable and skilful defender.

He likes to get up into attack and it's not unusual to see him get down to the goal line to fire in a cross. He shoots well with his left foot and scores frequently, despite being a defender. He's dangerous from direct free-kicks and also crossing from dead ball situations.

HONOURS

FC Barcelona
2006-07 - Spanish Supercup
2005-06 - Champions League
2005-06 - League
2005-06 - Spanish Supercup
2004-05 - League

Feyenoord (Holland)
1994-95 - Cup

Glasgow Rangers (Scotland)
1998-98 - League
1998-99 - Cup
1998-99 - League Cup
1999-00 - League
1999-00 - Cup

Arsenal (England)
2001-02 - League
2001-02 - Community Shield
2001-02 - Cup
2002-03 - Cup