Energetic and skilful utility player with a high work rate who Bobby Robson once said was the first to go on the Barcelona team sheet every match. Won over the fans after moving from Real Madrid in 1996 and a regular Spanish international. Has blossomed into one of the most complete midfielders in the Spanish league. Has played in nearly every position on the field but is most comfortable just behind a target man. However, he was a crushing disappointment in France '98 after a stellar '97-98 season when he got 18 league goals and helped Barca to the league-and-cup double.