A former Spanish youth international, Óscar González left his homeland to join perennial Greek champions Olympiacos FC in 2008. He generally operates in an attacking midfield role but can also play up front.

• Born in Salamanca, he launched his professional career at Real Valladolid CF, his Liga debut coming on 7 October 2001 in a 1-0 home victory over UD Las Palmas.

• Spent three seasons at Valladolid and was top scorer in the last of them, with ten goals, though it was not enough to save the team from relegation.

• Moved to Real Zagaroza in 2004; helped his new club to Spanish Super Cup win and struck six goals in debut league campaign, providing good support for top-scoring David Villa.

• Made 129 Liga appearances for Zaragoza, scoring 15 goals, before club's shock relegation in 2008; moved to Greece, signing three-year deal with Olympiacos, where fellow Spaniard Ernesto Valverde had just arrived as coach.

• Won domestic double in first season at Piraeus club though not a regular; ever-present in 2009/10 UEFA Champions League group stage under new boss Zico, however, making two substitute appearances before four successive starts.

Did you know?
Óscar González was the first of five Olympiacos players to score two penalties in the marathon shoot-out that decided the 2009 Greek Cup final against AEK Athens FC in their favour.