Attracting the interest of most of Europe's elite, defender David Luiz's star rose quickly after only a few seasons at Portuguese club Benfica.

Beginning his career in his native Brazil with Vitoria, he made his debut as a teenage left-back and caught the attention of the national team set-up as he represented Brazil at the 2007 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Canada.

Moving to Benfica in 2007, he missed almost all of his first season through injury, but soon moved to centre-back where he impressed so much he was named Portugal's Player of the Year in 2010. Starting all but one game in Benfica's title winning season, he also caught the eye of new Brazil coach Mano Menezes and made his senior debut against the United States a month after the World Cup.

Having been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea for several months, Luiz eventually sealed a £21.3 million move to Stamford Bridge in the final hours of the 2011 January transfer window, after it had seemed the move may had died in the previous days.

Strengths: Versatile and powerful, his speed, aerial ability and technical skills stand out.

Weaknesses: Not tested at the highest level, he can be caught out positionally and could improve his focus.

Career high: Winning the domestic Double with Benfica in 2009-10.

Career low: He made just a handful of appearances in 2007-08 after suffering injury in his first season. Style: Quick, powerful, dominant, an impressive defender.

Quotes: "I'm a central defender, and that's the position I feel most comfortable in, but I'd play in goal or up front if I had to. I can only be grateful for having the privilege to do a job I love." David Luiz, December 2010.

Trivia: He scored an impressive seven goals in 47 games as a teenager for his first club Vitória.