Wesley Sneijder Bio Send To Friend  

A top player with a fine range of passing and the ability to score the spectacular, Sneijder finds himself at his third professional club after becoming one of the many Dutch casualties at Real Madrid.

Sneijder proved at Euro 2008 that he can shine on the international stage, scoring twice and recording two assists in three appearances as the Dutch made it to the quarter-finals. The player was central to the sweeping, counter-attacking football played by Holland in Austria and Switzerland that summer which many felt would take them to the trophy.

A product of the hugely successful Ajax youth academy, Sneijder made his professional debut in a 2-0 win at Excelsior in December 2002. A dead-ball specialist, Sneijder carved out a reputation as a goal-scoring midfielder, and netted 43 goals in 126 games for the Amsterdam club. A £20 million move to Real Madrid in 2007 got off to a great start as he scored five goals in his first four appearances. But he would be sold after just two seasons, opting to move to Serie A to link up with Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan.

He made his international bow against Portugal in 2003 and was part of the squad at Euro 2004, though was benched. He was a first-choice player once the 2006 World Cup came around and starred at Euro 2008.

Strengths: Quick, strong and powerful with accurate shooting ability. Can play with both feet.

Weaknesses: Lacks height and can go missing in games.

Career high: Named in the Team of the Tournament for his performances at Euro 2008, including a superb goal against Italy in the group stage.

Career low: Being forced out of Real Madrid after just two seasons.

Style: Good with both feet and a real weapon from set-pieces, Sneijder possesses a brilliant shot in his armoury. Can destroy any team with his attacking ability.

Quotes: "Leaving Madrid is not a defeat. They have treated me very bad, but I prefer not to speak, really. Inter are one of the biggest clubs in the world, for four years they have been Italian champions, and I am proud to wear the Nerazzurra jersey. This is a World Cup year and I want to go there as a protagonist." Wesley Sneijder in August 2009.

Trivia: The player claims that his style is down to his upbringing, playing "cage" football against older children in Ondiep.

Soccernet says: If Holland are to be true contenders at the World Cup finals much will depend on the form of Sneijder. He is a true match-winner.