The man in the engine room

Edgar Davids has battled controversy on and off the pitch both with Juventus and Holland to prove himself one of the most talented and important midfielders in the modern game.

Holland's Edgar Davids (L) fights for the ball with Paul Dickov (R) of Scotland during their second-leg play-off match for the Euro 2004 at Amsterdam Arena 19 November 2003.\

He was sent home in disgrace from Euro 96 following an outburst directed at then Holland coach Guus Hiddink and also had to survive a doping ban in 2001 when he tested positive for nandrolone despite fiercely denying the allegations.

His exclusion from the Dutch team dragged on for two years following the tournament in England but he is now a key member of Dick Advocaat's side amidst a host of superstars well capable of snatching glory at Euro 2004.

(From L-R:) Ajax Amsterdam's Patrick Kluivert and Edgar Davids hold the trophy after winning the final of the European Champions League against AC Milan in Vienna, Austria late 24 May. Ajax defeated AC Milan, 1-0. AFP PHOTO

Meanwhile at club level, he has helped Juventus to three Italian titles since joining the team in December 1997 although his only joy in four Champions League finals was with former club Ajax when they beat AC Milan in 1995.

Ironically he would join Milan in 1996 after signing from Ajax where he won three straight Dutch titles between 1994 and 1996 and a domestic Cup as well as their glorious Champions League triumph in Vienna where a goal from 17-year-old Patrick Kluivert proved the difference.

Penalty horror for Holland

Brescia's Roberto Baggio (L) and Dutch Edgar Davids of Juventus Turin fight for the ball during their Italian Serie A match, in Turin 27 April 2003. AFP PHOTO EPA/ANSA LUCA ZENNARO ji-hh

Juventus Dutch midfielder Edgar Davids in action 12 August 2003, in "del Conero" stadium in Ancona, before the match Milan AC / Juventus in a tournament between the last season's three first teams of the Italian Championship: Juventus Turin, Inter Milano and Milan AC. AFP PHOTO / PATRICK HERTZOG

Instantly recognisable with his swishing dreadlocks and coloured glasses, Davids is a hive of activity in the middle of the park, winning possession, making darting runs forward and proving influential both in defence and attack.

While he has won virtually every honour available at club level, with Holland it has been a series of disappointments despite the wealth of talent in the national team.

At the 1998 World Cup, Davids played five matches, scoring once but was helpless as Holland suffered the cruel fate of losing on penalties in a semi-final thriller against Brazil.

Brazilian midfielder Leonardo (R) is challenged by Dutch midfielder Edgar Davids (L) 07 July during the 1998 Soccer World Cup semi-final match between Brazli and the Netherlands at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille. Brazil is leading 1-0 as play continues in the second half. (ELECTRONIC IMAGE) AFP PHOTO

Davids was there again at Euro 2000 but as in France, the inability to convert penalties into goals proved crucial, Italy taking advantage in Rotterdam to squeeze into the final via the crap shoot of a shootout in a final four clash.

Born in the former Dutch colony of Surinam in South America, the Turin star is adored by fans for his tireless work ethic, hounding opponents but his feisty nature can often lead to trouble and red cards.

He helped Juventus to a successful defence of their Italian title in 2003, a campaign in which they also reached the final of the Champions League but again Davids was the victim of the penalty shootout as AC Milan emerged triumphant in Manchester.

His days with Juventus now look numbered as he joined wayward Spanish giants Barcelona on loan in January 2004 where there is a contingent of Dutch players as well as coach Frank Rijkaard.