The man they call Mr. Reliable, Ledley King has been a cult figure at White Hart Lane ever since he burst onto the Premiership scene in May 1999. A product of the Tottenham youth system, he is now a mainstay for both club and country and is widely acknowledged as one of Europe's most naturally talented defenders. Renowned for blistering pace, cool head, and composed distribution, King is the longest-serving member of the Tottenham squad and was appointed club captain in January 2005. He still holds the record for the fastest goal in Premiership history after finding the back of the net after just 10 seconds against Bradford City in December 2000. First capped by the senior side against Italy in 2002, King played for England at every junior level, and he was outstanding in the opening match of Euro 2004 against France before he was forced to return home for the birth of his son. His England career has been hampered by injuries—he missed the 2006 World Cup with a broken metatarsal bone—but he has time on his side and looks destined to be a key figure at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.