Thomas Vermaelen Profile

Thomas Vermaelen, "The Verminator"

THOMAS VERMAELEN PROFILE

Thomas Vermaelen is a captain of the Belgian national team. Before join toArsenal he played for Dutch clubs Ajax and RKC Waalwijk. He is especially known for his aerial ability, defensive leadership, and his potent threat as a goalscorer, despite being a central defender. Being left-footed, he usually plays as a left-sided centre-half and can play at left back as well.

Thomas was born on 14 November 1985 in Kapellen, Belgium. He joined Arsenal for an initial fee of €10 million, rising to €12 million on 19 June 2009, signing a four-year contract. Vermaelen with William Gallas formed Arsenal's central defence pairing, replace Kolo Toure who moved to Manchester City. He looks set for a long and prosperous Arsenal career after a revelatory first season in English football.

Vermaelen made his Premier League debut on 15 August 2009 in a game against Everton, and scored in the 37th minute.

Vermaelen was a relative unknown when he arrived from Ajax in the summer of 2009 as a replacement for Kolo Toure, but he is now one of the first names on the teamsheet. Arsenal fans affectionately nicknamed him the 'Verminator'.

Thomas' tackling ability and willingness to attack the ball make him a natural leader at the back and he is more than capable at the other end too, scoring eight goals in his first campaign - including a couple of long-range specials against Wigan and Blackburn.

But he had a big set back in this season after suffered an Achilles injury on international duty with Belgium. The injury made him keep out of action until 2011.

Thomas Vermaelen profile

Name : Thomas Vermaelen

Date of birth : 14 November 1985

Place of birth: Kapellen, Belgium

Height : 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)

Position: Defender – center back.

Squad Number: 5

Previous Club(s): AFC Ajax Amsterdam, RKC Waalwijk (Loan),    KFC Germinal Beerschot

Joined Arsenal: June 19, 2009