32. Carlos Tevez

Birthdate:	05 Feb 1984
Birthplace:	Ciudadela, Buenos Aires
Position:	Striker
Joined United:	10 Aug 2007
United Debut:	15 Aug 2007 v Portsmouth (A)
International	Argentina

Argentina striker Carlos Tevez is one of the game's most lethal finishers. A clinical striker of the ball, Tevez also has the confidence and skill to take on opponents, and is capable of playing as a deep-lying forward or lead striker.

At just 5ft 7in he's not the tallest centre forward to pull on a Red shirt, but his low centre of gravity aids acceleration and enables him to shield the ball from defenders and turn his marker with great speed. Tevez, once dubbed the "Argentine prophet for the 21st Century" by Diego Maradona, has also demonstrated a knack for curling free-kicks past some of the world's top goalkeepers.


Tevez is already idolised in South America after successful spells at Boca Juniors in his homeland, and Brazilian side Corinthians. Initially he had to win over fans in Brazil, but eventually he captained Corinthians to the title and became the first foreign player to collect the league's Player of the Year award in almost 20 years.

And he's no stranger to life in the Premier League, having spent the 2006/07 season with West Ham. After a slow start where he went 19 games without finding the net, Tevez scored the Hammers' second in a dramatic 4-3 loss to rivals Tottenham. He then embarked on a goalscoring spree that saw him net seven times in just 10 matches as West Ham battled to avoid relegation.

Perhaps his most memorable goal for West Ham arrived on the final day of the season, ironically against United at Old Trafford. Tevez showed relentless commitment to charge down a Wes Brown clearance, reach the looping ball ahead of Edwin van der Sar and calmly tuck home a half-volley and ensure the visitors' top-flight survival.

His impressive displays aren't limited to club football, either. He propelled Argentina to gold in the 2004 Olympic Games by netting an incredible eight times

and he's now a regular member of the senior squad. He notched in the 2006 World Cup against Serbia & Montenegro and then turned in a man-of-the-match performance against Holland in the final Group C clash.

Despite claims to the contrary, Sir Alex Ferguson believes Tevez and Wayne Rooney will link up wel for the Reds. "Tevez and Wayne can play in the same side together," he said. "I know people say they both like to drop deep, but I see Wayne's future up on his own. Tevez has shown when he plays right up he is a threat because he can beat a man. He is a real threat."

reference: http://www.manutd.com

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