However, he must be doing something right to have attracted the attentions of Sir Alex Ferguson who is rumoured to be lining up a bid for the former Real Madrid ace. Has also played for Castilla, Celta Vigo, Elche and Merida in a career which is finally taking off.

Replaced Molina in Spain's second match against Slovenia and gave a more creditable performance than his rival. Just.

Not much he could do about Zidane's free-kick for France's first goal in the quarter-final, but was guilty of failing to cover his near post for Djorkaeff's second.