Marouane Fellaini Bio Send To Friend  

It was a slight surprise when Marouane Fellaini signed for Everton on the last day of the 2008 summer transfer window and even more of a surprise that he became the club's record signing at £15million.

The box to box midfielder, who had forged a reputation for himself in the Jupiler League but was largely unknown outside Belgium, signed a five-year deal at Goodison Park.

Known for his heading ability and stamina, the midfielder joined from Standard Liege after making 84 appearances for the Belgian champions, scoring 11 times.

His Moroccan father played for Raja Casablanca during the 1970s but Fellaini began his football education at Anderlecht, in Belgium, at the age of seven.

Following brief moves to Mons, R. Francs Borains and Sporting Charleroi he signed his first professional contract with Standard Liège at the age of 17.

At well over six foot the powerful midfielder is expected to add a real physical presence to Everton.

In 2007 he made his debut for Belgium and at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 he was sent off in the opening game for two yellow cards against Brazil.