16. Phil Jagielka

Aug 28 2007

Position: Midfielder/ Defender
Squad Number: 16
Born: Manchester, England
Date of Birth: 17-08-1982
Former Clubs: Sheffield United

Phil Jagielka joined the Blues from Sheffield United in a deal worth £4 million in July 2007.

Jagileka's signature marks the end of a transfer saga complicated by the controversy over Sheffield United's fight for Premiership survival with West Ham United and the League. 

A long-term target for David Moyes, Jagielka's coming to Everton marks the player's return to the club where he started his footballing career.  Following his release from the Everton youth team as a teenager, Jagielka switched to the youth ranks at Sheffield United, where he proved himself to be a highly versatile player.

During his eight years at the Blades, the player had roles in both midfield and defense and even found himself in goal if needed.  Jagielka demonstrated just how good a utility player he can be by holding the fort in between the sticks for the final thirty minutes of Sheffield United's 2006 home game against Arsenal, helping the team to a 1-0 victory. 

He captained the 2006-2007 Sheffield United team several times.

Along with new team-mate Jospeph Yobo, the pair were the only two players to play every minute of Premiership football for the 2006-2007 season.  Jagielka's work-rate and importance to the Sheffield Wednesday squad is shown by the fact that the player has not missed a league game since April 2004.

He has impressed at both centre-back and centre-half and is known for his pace and astute footballing brain.

The utility man was a favourite among Blades fans, winning three consecutive Supporters Club Player of the Year awards as well as the Championship Player of the Year award for 2005-2006.

Jagielka has already made his mark on international football, featuring in the England Under-21 squad and making his debut for the England B team in May 2007.

The player's ancestry means he is also eligible to play for Poland.