The 25-year-old's versatility is a blessing to any coach.
Luiz Felipe Scolari has deployed him in central defence - his strongest position - where his height and strength in the air have proved a major asset for Lyon.
However, Brazil can, and have, used him as a rearguard midfielder, helping to push play forward but more importantly as an extra line of defence in front of an attacking back four.
Lyon paid £7m to lure him to France from Sao Paolo and he went on to be a central figure in their French league success in the 2000/2001 season.
Prior to that, he had been due to join English Premiership side Arsenal but that deal fell through after he was refused a work permit.