Rodrigo Defendi

Rodrigo Defendi (born June 16, 1986 in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil), is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a central defender for Tottenham Hotspur.

A talented, young centre-half signed from the Brazilian club Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, who produced Ronaldo. First spotted as a 16-year-old by Frank Arnesen, the appropriately named Defendi is reknowed for a deft left foot and a dominance in the air. He looks set to play a big part in Tottenham's future under the guidance of Martin Jol.

He became the first player signed under the Frank Arnesen and Jacques Santini era from Cruzeiro for a fee of £600,000 on July 3 2004 although he had to wait for his passport to arrive in August for the deal to be officially completed. He has yet to make his first team debut for the club but has featured in a number of reserve team matches.