Mikel Arteta

MIKEL ARTETA signed for the Blues permanently in July 2005 for £2 million after impressing during a loan spell from La Liga side Real Sociedad. He is widely regarded as one of Everton's most consistent and talented players. The Spaniard has played for a number of Europe's top clubs having started his career at Barcelona and moving to Paris Saint Germain on loan in 2000. A £5.8 million move to Glasgow Rangers materialised in 2002 where he was a favourite at Ibrox and helped them win the treble in 2003. Mikel returned home as Real Sociedad signed him as a replacement for Xabi Alonso in the summer of 2004 but he struggled for a regular starting place and Everton swooped. Mikel helped fill the void left my Thomas Gravesen's move to Real Madrid and scored his first goal with a stunning free-kick during the 4-0 home win against Crystal Palace. He also scored a similar set piece against Villarreal in the Blues' away leg of the Champions League qualifier in 2005 and impressed enough during the 2005/06 campaign to be named official Player of the Season as well as earning himself the Players' Player of the Season accolade. The Player of the Season award is an honour which Arteta has retained in the past, recieving it again at the end of the 2006/2007 season. Although Arteta has proven his flair at Everton, a full appearance for the Spanish national side still eludes him. The midfielder's contract with the Blues runs until 2010