#6 Slaven Bilic (West Ham United)
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Another one of Harry Redknapp’s recruits, Slaven Bilic was discovered while playing for his hometown club Hajduk Split in Croatia. Signed for a record club fee then, the defender was offered a move away from the club when they were threatened with relegation but insisted on staying on and helping them survive the drop.
The Hammers came 14th that season, well above the danger zone and the Croatian made the move to Everton the following season.
However, the greatest achievement of his career was his country’s qualification to the semi-final of the 1998 FIFA World Cup where they suffered defeat at the hands of the French. Bilic famously simulated an injury to his head that saw Laurent Blanc sent off and suspended from participating in the final.
Even though the Croatians fell short of reaching the final, they came third after beating the Netherlands, a superb achievement.
