Matteo's calm defending and speed of thought saw him play a vital part in much of Liverpool's attacking play and also win international caps at England Under-21 and 'B' levels.
Due to his Scottish parentage he was also called up to the Scotland squad - as he never played a competitive game for the England sides - for two World Cup qualifiers in October 2000, but injury ruled him out of the matches.
Eventually made his Scotland debut in a 2-0 defeat to Australia the following month.
His versatility saw him fill numerous roles for the Reds, including midfield and central defensive spots, and, although he adjusted well to each, Liverpool coaches believed that his best spot would be at left-back.
A good range of passing and the skill and confidence to take opponents on led to attention from then Leeds United boss David O'Leary.
Despite carrying an injury, the Leeds manager was desperate to take Matteo to Elland Road and he completed his move to West Yorkshire in August 2000.
Made his belated debut following his £4.25million transfer against AC Milan in the Champions League the following month, then netted his first Leeds goal against Besiktas also in the Champions League.
Was one of Leeds' best players as they reached the semi-finals of the Champions League that term. The 2001/02 season would see him named vice captain to Rio Ferdinand in the Leeds ranks and, like at Liverpool, filling a number of roles across the backline.
And, when Ferdinand was sold to Manchester United the summer of 2002, Matteo was handed the captaincy for the 2002/03 season and signed a new, extended contract. By that time he had made 88 appearances for Leeds.
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