Considered by many to be an excellent example of professionalism in the modern game

Arjan De Zeeuw was a key player for Barnsley in the side that won promotion to the FA Premier League in the 1996/97 season.

At the end of 1998/99 season he moved to Wigan Athletic. He became a vital team member, proving to be highly dependable at the back. In a poll to celebrate the centenary of the Professional Footballer's Association fans voted De Zeeuw to be the best player of all time for Wigan Athletic.

When he moved to Portsmouth in 2002 he was considered an integral part of squad that claimed the First Division championship. He continued to perform to high standards as Portsmouth played well in their debut FA Premier League season, and was recognised by the fans who voted him Portsmouth Player of the Year. He was rewarded with the captaincy for the 2004/05 season following Teddy Sheringham's departure.In the summer of 2005, he returned to Wigan Athletic.

In June 2007 it was announced that de Zeeuw had signed a one-year contract with Coventry City. During pre-season training a freak accident left the defender sidelined for 6–8 weeks.

He has a degree in medical science and became a professional football player quite late in life. He is planning to go into sports medicine when his football career is over.

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