Middlesbrough’s 2003 move for Gaizka Mendieta was something of a coup at the time, as Boro were able to land one of the previous decade’s most creative midfielders, a player who was the fulcrum of Valencia’s turn-of-the century successes under manager Rafael Benitez.
The playmaker arrived at the Riverside Stadium initially on loan, helping the club win their first-ever major trophy when they beat Bolton Wanderers in the final of the 2004 League Cup before signing permanently and being a key player in their run to the UEFA Cup final two years later.
