Meireles first came to prominence with Boavista FC in 2003 and was soon picked up by hometown club FC Porto the following season. Establishing himself quickly in the side's central midfield, his passing range and ability to get goals while also acting as a defensive midfielder won over his critics and he picked up four Portuguese titles and three Portuguese cups while at the club.

After six years, Meireles opted to take on a new challenge with Liverpool after impressing at the 2010 World Cup with Portugal and signed for the Premier League club for £11.5 million. He made a slow start under Roy Hodgson, but he improved markedly when Kenny Dalglish took charge in January.

However, with Liverpool reinforcing in central midfield in the summer of 2011, there were rumours he would be on his way. On the final day of the window, he submitted a transfer request before completing a move to Chelsea, where he would link up with former Porto boss Andre Villas-Boas. Strengths: Dominant and dynamic, he loves a physical battle and has a good range of passing. Is also capable of the spectacular.

Weaknesses: Has a bit of a short fuse.

Career high: Winning the treble of league title, Portuguese Cup and Super Cup with FC Porto in 2006.

Career low: Signing for his hometown club FC Porto in 2004, he was used in an unfamiliar left-back role and must have wondered if he would ever make the breakthrough.

Style: Tough, uncompromising, a classy all-round midfielder.

Quotes: "You only have to look at the consistency Raul displayed in the qualifiers to realise that he is as important to this team as some of the big stars" - Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz, 2010.

Trivia: He is renowned for his tattoos. He had his first one done at the age of 19 and regularly adds new designs all over his body.