| By Sam Fox,
on 19-02-2006 16:59
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Mikael Silvestre. Squad number: 27.
Mikael Silvestre
Shirt Number: 27
Position: Defender
Date of Birth: August 9, 1977
Birthplace: Chambray-Les-Tours, France
Height: 6 Feet 0 Inches
Weight: 82.99 Kilograms
France international Mikael Silvestre began his career with French First Division club Rennes in the 1995/96 season. He made just one appearance that term.
The next year, he made 16 appearances, taking his tally up to 31 in the 1997/98 season.
Inter Milan spotted his potential, and signed him in time for the 1998/99 Serie A season. He made 18 League appearances, scoring one goal into the bargain. He also played six times in the European Cup, including the quarter-final second-leg, against Manchester United.
Silvestre, a centre-back who can also play at full-back, signed for Manchester United on 10 September 1999.
Mikael took his time to settle into English football, but showed flashes of the pace and skill that had persuaded Sir Alex Ferguson to sign him. He became United's first choice as partner to Jaap Stam in the centre of defence both in the League and in Europe.
In the 2000/01 season, Mikael switched to left-back on a full-time basis, and became a fixture in the side. Playing every game improved his consistency, and his good form earned him a call-up to the senior French team.
He made his full international debut on 27 February 2001, coming on as a 77th minute substitute for Marcel Desailly in a Stade de France friendly against Germany, a match the Euro 2000 Champions won 1-0. "I was really proud to be involved, even if it was only for a couple of days. I am determined to learn fast because we have quite a few friendlies coming up," said Mik after the match.
He held onto his place in the squad for friendly matches against Japan and Spain in March, the squad being named just five days before Mikael's wife Sev gave birth to their first child, a daughter named Evy.
Mik again came on as a substitute in the Japan match, but finally made his full debut on 28 March in a 2-1 defeat. He kept his place in the starting line up for April's match against Portugal, and opened his scoring account for the World Cup holders in a 4-0 triumph.
Then just days later, Mikael lifted the Premiership trophy for the second time in his career, having made 46 appearances and scoring one goal, a great effort against Leicester City in mid-March.
The joyful season didn't end there for Silvestre. In June 2001, he was a member of the France squad which won the Confederations Cup in Japan and Korea. Although he didn't play in the final, Mikael made a couple of appearances at centre-half in the group stages.
He was also selected for Roger Lemerre's World Cup 2002 squad, but did not make an appearance in France's disappointing attempt to defend the trophy won four years earlier.
Silvestre continued to improve as a player throughout the 2002/03 season, and became one of United's most consistent performers on their way to their eighth Premiership title. The Frenchman was almost ever-present - playing more minutes than any other Red - during the campaign in which United confounded the critics to beat Arsenal to the Championship. Mikael also proved - thanks to a partnership with Wes Brown - that he is equally capable of playing in the centre of defence as he is at left-back.
Silvestre's most positive attribute is his pace, and he often sets up scoring opportunities. He is also noted for his crossing and tackling abilities. His place in the starting line up has been put in jeopardy by the arrival of fellow defenders Nemanja Vidić and Patrice Evra. Wes Brown's return to form has done little to help Silvestre's opportunities in the back line.
Last update : 19-02-2006 16:59
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