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Sebastian Coates is one of the most promising centre-backs in world football.

The Uruguay international was brought to Anfield from Nacional in August 2011 having been voted the best young player at the 2011 Copa America.

Standing at a towering 6ft 6in, he is renowned for his commanding aerial displays - both defensively and offensively.

Coates is also capable of executing spectacular goals like his scissor-kick at Loftus Road during his debut season in England.

The defender joined the Nacional academy at 11 and went on to break into the first-team seven years later, making his senior debut against Bella Vista in 2009.

Although he played just three months of the 2008-09 campaign for Nacional, his performances for the title-winning team led to the prestigious Uruguayan Championship Revelation of the Season crown.

That summer, Coates made his international bow, playing in the U20 World Cup where Uruguay went unbeaten in a group that also contained England and eventual winners Ghana.

The 2010-11 season proved to be another glittering campaign for the defender as Nacional clinched another title, while on a personal level Coates scooped the Uruguayan Championship Player of the Season and Defender of the Season accolades.

It led to a first senior international cap just a week before the Copa America finals in a friendly against Estonia. Injuries meant Coates was handed his chance to play in the tournament alongside compatriot Luis Suarez as Uruguay surged towards the trophy.

The youngster's composed displays belied his tender years and, as a result, earned the accolade of Young Player of the Tournament.

Coates is nicknamed 'Luganito' by Uruguay fans as he's seen as the natural successor to the current captain of the national team, Diego Lugano. Indeed, Lugano himself has spoken of his belief that our No.16 will go on to skipper his country.

First though he must look to become a first-team regular at Anfield.

Coates made 12 appearances in 2011-12 following a debut as a substitute away to Tottenham on September 18.

He then represented Uruguay in the 2012 London Olympics, though their tournament ended in the group stages.