If Martin Laursen was Villa's unluckiest player of 2008-09, Wilfred Bouma wasn't far behind.

The Dutch left-back had been looking forward to a marathon season - but it was over by the end of July.

Bouma played in Villa's first leg Intertoto Cup-tie against Odense in Denmark but a week later suffered a dislocated ankle as Villa won the second leg to launch an extended European adventure.

The former PSV Eindhoven defender would have loved to be part of that UEFA Cup run. Instead, he had to settle for three reserve appearances before hanging up his boots for the season.

It was a great pity for a player whose appearances during his first two seasons with the club had been restricted by injury, but who had then enjoyed an ever-present Premier League campaign in 2007-08.

The Holland international had also scored his first goal for the club that season, too, his deflected shot setting Villa on the way to a 4-1 home victory over Newcastle United.

It was more for his defensive qualities, however, that the man popularly known as Freddie enhanced his reputation during that period, establishing himself as a consistent and reliable full-back.

He also helped his country to the 2008 European Championship finals.