5Brede HangelandDefender

With strength and poise clear for all to see, the towering Nord is arguably as important to the Fulham cause as anybody in recent years.

His influence may not quite reach the levels of the great Johnny Haynes, or the likes of George Cohen or Graham Leggat, but nevertheless, his impact does suggest that in decades to come his name will be held in levelled regard.

With his unflappable demeanour and unexpected elegance, Hangeland is a player that has embodied the team’s transformation in recent seasons, and the £2.5 million that the Chairman put up in January 2008 now looks an absolute snip. In fact, there have been few better signings throughout the Premier League.

Comfortable on the ball, solid in the air and judicious in the tackle, his form and rise in recent seasons stand him out incontestably as one of the English game’s most accomplished performers. With a new attacking philosophy in place at Craven Cottage, his resilience at the back has become even more vital.

On 28th March 2013 the Fulham skipper delighted fans by penning a two-year extension to his deal, with the option of a further year.