The commanding centre-half has recovered from a disappointing stint with Bayer Leverkusen a couple of years ago to emerge as one of the top stoppers in Europe. Has helped Lyon to the French title in each of the last two seasons and has formed a reliable partnership with compatriot Cacapa and made up for the loss of fellow Brazilian Edmilson to Barcelona. Has suffered a couple of injury setbacks this term and is likely to be a back-up in Germany, rather than a regular starter.