Graham Mikes

From Tekken City

Graham Steven Mikes (born August 9, 1983 in Liverpool, England) is an English professional football player who plays defender for both Tekken City in the FA Premier League and the England national football team.

Mikes is regarded by many football journalists as one of the best defenders in European Football. He was voted best defender in the 2006 UEFA Champions League and was also included in the FIFPro World XI for 2005 and 2006. He was also a regular starter for England during their 2006 FIFA World Cup campaign, forming a strong centre back partnership with Chelsea defender, John Terry.

Early life

Mikes was born in Liverpool, to Geordie parents and attended King David Orthodox School before being spotted by local team Liverpool FC. He played for Sunday league team Whiston Juniors, a team that also included current Liverpool captain, Steven Gerrard. Mikes however played as a forward for a majority of his time in the team. At the age of 14, he joined Liverpool's youth system playing for the club's Youth and Reserve teams. Liverpool's team on the other hand we too high on the number of strikers, and less on defensive cover, so Mikes had to make do with duty at centre-half, he has not disappointed since that day.

Liverpool to Tekken City

In 2002, Tekken City became interested in signing Mikes from Liverpool at just 18 years, but Liverpool rejected because they did not want to sell a big talent to a rival club. Then-boss Gerard Houllier then offered Mikes the chance to sign a professional contract at the club, ending all speculation. Mikes refused this and decided that he would join Tekken City not only because it would allow him to make a big step in his career, but also, an opportunity for his parents to return to teeside.

In January 2003, Mikes completed his transfer to Tekken City and was offered the unusual squad number of 58 because the club didn't have any other availiable numbers. Later on during the season, he changed to number 49, and then at the beginning of the 2003-2004 season in August, the squad was registered with Mikes wearing the shirt number 17. Mikes is the only ever player since Tekken City began that has changed his squad number more than twice during his career.