The big Dutchman cemented his reputation as one of the world's best defenders during Euro 2000, where he was the only out-and-out defender in the Dutch back four.
Started his career at Cambuur Leeuwarden before moving to Willem II in 1994 and henceforth to PSV Eindhoven in 1996.
United paid £10.6 million to bring him to Old Trafford in the summer of 1998 and after a torrid start, which had many anti-United fans chuckling with joy, he recovered his composure to shore up United's leaking defence on their way to the Treble.
Missed just four Premiership matches during 1999-2000, playing alongside three different partners - Silvestre, Berg and Gary Neville. And while his defensive colleagues struggled with form and fitness 'Yip-Jaap' held the line as strongly as ever.
Was again extremely impressive as United made it three titles in a row in the 2000/01 season.
- WHO'S WHO