Steven Pienaar

Steven Pienaar (born March 17, 1982, Johannesburg, South Africa) is a South African soccer midfielder currently on Borussia Dortmund's books, but signed on a season-long loan for Everton with the view to making the deal permanent at the end of the twelve month term.

As a youngster, Pienaar emerged as one of the hottest talents in football whilst playing for Ajax. In his time at the Amsterdam club he played in one of the most attacking teams of the decade along with the likes of Rafael van der Vaart, Andy van der Meyde, Hatem Trabelsi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

In January 2006 it was announced that Borussia Dortmund had signed Pienaar on a three-year contract from Ajax. Seen as a replacement for Arsenal-bound Tomáš Rosický, Pienaar's first year with Borussia Dortmund saw him receive the number "10" shirt vacated by the Czech playmaker.

On July 20, 2007 it was announced he would play the season at Everton F.C] on loan for 2007-08 subject to a work permit. Pienaar was granted a work permit on 24 July, 2007 for his move to Everton F.C. and is now looking forward to beginning the next chapter of his playing career, particularly on the European stage. Pienaar made his Premier League debut for Everton in the latter stages of a 2-1 home victory against Wigan Athletic.

Club career