Not for nothing is the accomplished left back known as the 'Serbian Roberto Carlos'. Part of Serbia's 2010 World Cup squad, Kolarov became a target for Jose Mourinho on the back of his impressive performances with Lazio in Serie A but eventually made a big-money move to Manchester City in July 2010.

He was one of the stars of the Under-21 side that lost to Netherlands in the final of the 2007 European Championships. He was selected for the Team of the Tournament, no doubt winning many votes for the free-kick he thundered home in the semi-final victory over Belgium.

Kolarov joined Lazio from OFK Belgrade in the summer of 2007 and, like many Balkan youngsters, he had a soft spot for Italian football and supported Lazio as a kid. Nonetheless, he decided to move to City as he wanted to play in the Premier League and compete for the chance to win the Champions League.

Strengths: The combative Kolarov is in his element bursting forward, is brilliant at executing a quick one-two, crosses a good ball and is extremely dangerous from direct free-kicks.

Weaknesses: The defensive side of his game is questionable and he has a tendency to take pot-shots.

Career high: Scoring in the penalty shootout to help Lazio beat Sampdoria in the 2009 Coppa Italia final.

Career low: Despite arriving at the 2010 World Cup with high hopes, he was dropped for Serbia's final group game against Australia when a 2-1 defeat saw them suffer an early exit.

Style: Rampaging left back or left-sided midfielder with a talent for free-kicks.

Quotes: "I first saw Kolarov in his Lazio debut back in 2007. His attacking capability is very good. He is fast and can shoot with power and accuracy. He also has the ability to play in numerous positions and is very good in midfield." - Roberto Mancini, July 2010

Trivia: Kolarov has said he is best friends with Inter star Goran Pandev.