Arca, who is of Italian descent, joined the Wearsiders in a £3.5million five-year deal and made his Premiership debut against West Ham United at the Stadium of Light. Found the back of the net as well.

Boss Peter Reid spotted Arca playing for the Under-21s against England at Craven Cottage and tracked him until completing the signing in July 2000.

Arca's previous club, Argentinos Juniors, also shaped footballing stars Maradona, before he went to Boca Juniors, and Redondo, who went on to play for Real Madrid. He played for his old club and country at left back, but was successfully converted to left midfield by Peter Reid.

Arca was Reid's most expensive signing of that summer and was then second only behind Stefan Schwarz as the club's record buy.

The youngster is tipped for the brightest of futures and full international honours in the near future.

Had a fantastic first season in the Premiership, scoring three times for the Black Cats.

However, like so many Sunderland players, Arca's 2001/02 campaign was disappointing as he was troubled by a series of niggling injuries. Failed to rediscover that fine form of the previous season, and was out of action from February.