An attacking full-back, Maxwell has struggled for consistency during his career, but has proved to be a solid performer when on the pitch for his various clubs. Comfortable in the left-back or right-back roles, he has also been used further up the field and his pace and skill on the ball make him an effective winger, although he has been overlooked at international level for Brazil.

Beginning his career at Cruzeiro, he joined Ajax in 2001 and stayed for five years in the Netherlands - picking the Dutch Footballer of the Year award in 2004 - before a serious injury ended his spell with the club. He was let go and eventually joined Inter Milan on a free transfer, where he won the league in his first season.

Winning two more league titles with Inter, he was not able to secure a first-team place in 2008-09 and moved to Barcelona for around €4 million in the summer - picking up four trophies in his first season.

Strengths: Offers pace and stamina down the flanks, his versatility is also a good asset.

Weaknesses: His tackling and positioning has been called into question, no more than against Theo Walcott and Arsenal in April 2010.

Career high: A key member of the Inter side that won the title in 2008.

Career low: A horror injury saw his career at Ajax cut short in 2005.

Style: Quick, agile, a strong and versatile wide player.

Quotes: ''It sure is an extra motivation for me to become better. He'll make things more difficult. And that's good because I like to work and with a quality player like him around I will have to work even harder to stay ahead. He has a different way of playing, that's true. But I'm not Brazilian, you know.'' Eric Abidal on Maxwell's arrival at Barcelona.

Trivia: He has played with Zlatan Ibrahimovic at three different clubs: Ajax, Inter and Barcelona.