|Ruud: The Powerhouse|
|Around the Academy:
There will be no player more determined to prove himself in Portugal.
Man United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has amazingly never played in a major finals before.
So what's so good about this Dutch master finisher?
As one football pundit said, "his strength is his strength!"
And Van Nistelrooy has barrow loads of it.
Not only in his six foot frame, but inside his head.
Four years ago his grit and determination were tested to the max when a knee injury flared up in training and a dream move to Old Trafford fell through.
His strength of character soon counted for everything during his rehabilitation.
And after a year of blood, sweat and tears, his £19million move was completed.
But it's in front of the sticks where Ruud really uses his powers.
Even Harry Potter must wonder how the great Dutchman combines his strength with elegance.
He might not have the canny skills of Thierry Henry, but Van Nistelrooy's danger lies in his direct runs at the heart of defences.
It's a defender's nightmare. Next time the ball is passed up front towards Ruud, you check out what he does.
He'll shield his marker off the ball, either look up to pass or use his lightening feet to turn and go straight for goal.
A record of over a hundred goals for his club in three years and a strike rate of almost one in every two games for his country speaks for itself.
And his variety of goals is more colourful than a field of Dutch tulips.
Tap-ins, one-on-ones with the keeper, penalties, headers or rasping shots.
That is one full locker and could explode this summer.