Robinho

• Date of Birth: 25 January 1984
• Height: 175 cm
• Shirt number: 11
• Position: Forward
• Current club: Santos (BRA)
• International Caps: 79
• International Goals: 25
• First international: Mexico - Brazil
  (13 July 2003)

Club History

• Manchester City (ENG): From 2008 to 2010
• Real Madrid (ESP): From 2005 to 2008
• Santos (BRA): From 2002 to 2005

Association, position, prodigy and genius condemned the teenage Robinho to the burdensome tag of ‘The New Pele'. And although the Sao Vicente native's style is mightily similar to that of O Rei, he has become a superstar in his own right.

Robinho exploded onto the scene in 2002. With his speed and, principally, his magical dribbling skills, he inspired Santos to the Campeonato Brasileiro prize. He was just 18. The dashing, deep-lying forward went on to propel O Peixe to another league title in 2004, and the final of the Copa Libertadores one year earlier, before a big-money move to Real Madrid.

Robinho made a superb debut for Los Merengues, but his form was somewhat erratic during a first season at the club which included a La Liga winner's medal. However, in his second season Robinho became a player of huge influence, creating and scoring goals consistently and wowing audiences with his productive tricks. Real again won La Liga.

On the final ay of the transfer window in September 2008, Robinho completed a 42.5-million-euro transfer to Manchester City. He scored a brilliant free-kick on his debut, in a defeat by Chelsea, and quickly began to showcase the talent that had established him as one of the world's best players. In his first season with City, he was one of the leading marksmen and set-up men in the Premier League. Again, however, the Brazilian ace put in a few shaky performances, which along with persistent injuries, harmed his status and eventually led City to agree a six-month loan deal that brought Robinho back to his beloved Santos. Here he swiftly became the focal point of a young and talented generation of attacking players.

Able to play up front or in behind the forwards, Robinho - who made his international debut in 2003 and helped Brazil win the FIFA Confederations Cup two years later - was a valuable squad member under Carlos Alberto Parreira. However, he was invariably utilised as a substitute.

After limited playing time at the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™, Robinho was then made an automatic starter by new coach Dunga. He responded emphatically, becoming the heartbeat of the Brazil side and heroically guiding them to Copa America 2007 glory. He finished the competition as top scorer.

Robinho has taken this form into South Africa 2010 qualifying and the FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009. While many of his celebrated compatriots have been below-par, the Santos revelation has been at his inventive best and is an indispensable figure for A Seleção.

Kaka

• Date of Birth: 22 April 1982
• Height: 186 cm
• Shirt number: 10
• Position: Midfielder
• Current club: Real Madrid (ESP)
• International Caps: 82
• International Goals: 27
• First international: Brazil - Bolivia
  (31 January 2002)

Club History

• AC Milan (ITA): From 2003 to 2009
• São Paulo (BRA): From 2000 to 2003

Kaka is firmly established as one of the finest players in the world. With a capacity to glide almost effortlessly past opponents, provide defence-splitting passes and score consistently from distance, the attacking midfielder won the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 2007 and made the five-man shortlist for sport's most prestigious individual honour again the following year.

Born in Brasilia in 1982, his family relocated to Sao Paulo when Kaka was young and it was there that he excelled at football and tennis. He ultimately elected to pursue the former and, after recovering from a career-threatening injury he suffered as a 15-year-old, he joined Sao Paulo.

Kaka made his Tricolor Paulista debut in January 2001 and, after helping his club lift the Torneio Rio-Sao Paulo trophy, was named in Brazil's squad for the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan™. Although he was afforded little playing time in the Far East, he returned from the tournament with a winner's medal. Later that year he claimed Placar magazine's Bola de Ouro, awarded to the Campeonato Brasileiro's stand-out performer, and the following year he became the property of AC Milan.

There, with superstars Rivaldo and Manuel Rui Costa on the Rossoneri books, it was assumed the young Brazilian would be sent out on loan to gain experience. That move never materialised. Instead, Kaka, who got his first-team break due to injuries in the squad, rendered himself non-droppable and scored ten times in 30 outings as Milan roared to the Serie A title.

Kaka continued to excel over the following two seasons, illuminating the UEFA Champions League during the 2004/05 campaign, which culminated in his team's loss on penalties to Liverpool in an enthralling final, but his reputation accelerated to new heights in 2007; a year in which he played the leading role in Milan's capture of the Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup titles. Among the countless personal honours he received that year were a second Serie A Footballer of the Year award and the FIFA World Player gong. Injuries hindered Kaka in the 2008/09 season. However, when he started, he sparkled.

Kaka has been a fixture in the Brazil team since 2003, and by the end of 2008 had scored 23 goals in 62 internationals - interestingly, A Seleção have never lost a match in which he has found the target.

Kaka radiated as Brazil won the FIFA Confederations Cup Germany 2005, and his brilliant strike from distance earned them a 1-0 victory over Croatia in their 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™ opener. However, he and his fellow attacking geniuses were unable to find their rhythm for the remainder of the tournament, and the five-time world champions ultimately lost to France in the quarter-finals.

Kaka’s reputation as a leader and decisive playmaker were bolstered dramatically with some impressive showings in South Africa 2010 qualifying and also at the FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009, where he scooped the adidas Golden Ball award and man of the match honours for the final against USA.

Gianluigi Buffon

• Date of Birth: 28 January 1978
• Height: 190 cm
• Shirt number: 1
• Position: Goalkeeper
• Current club: Juventus (ITA)
• International Caps: 102
• International Goals: 0
• First international: Russia - Italy
  (29 October 1997)

Club History

• Parma (ITA): From 1994 to 2001

Gianluigi Buffon is the latest in a long and distinguished line of gifted Italian goalkeepers, continuing the legacy bequeathed by the likes of Giampiero Combi, Aldo Olivieri and Dino Zoff. As the Azzurri know perhaps better than anyone, a great side needs a great keeper and in Buffon they have perhaps the perfect custodian. The outstanding No1 of his generation, he has been named Serie A's goalkeeper of the season seven times and four times world goalkeeper of the year.

With his tall, slender frame, Buffon was destined to be a goalkeeper. Capable of making the most difficult saves look easy, whether from distance or at point-blank range, there is no apparent weakness in his game and few strikers have ever managed to get the better of him on a regular basis. Perhaps one of his main qualities is an ability to put whatever errors he makes to the back of his mind and focus on the match again.

Hailing from a sporting family (his mother Maria Stella Masocco was an Italian discus champion), the young Buffon made his first league appearance for Parma at the age of 17 years and nine months on 19 November 1995, keeping a clean sheet in a goalless draw with AC Milan.

He would go to play 168 games in six seasons with I Gialloblu, winning an Italian Cup, Italian Super Cup and the UEFA Cup before moving to Juventus in 2001 as Edwin van der Sar's replacement. He brought his skills to bear in his very first season, making a vital contribution to Juve's title success by conceding only 23 goals in 34 games. He has remained loyal to the Turin giants ever since, becoming a cornerstone of the club.

Buffon's first international appearance came in a match against Russia in October 1997. The following year he travelled to the 1998 FIFA World Cup France™ as Italy's second-choice keeper. Forced to pull out of the squad for UEFA EURO 2000 with injury, he made his mark at Korea/Japan 2002 by saving a penalty in Italy's fateful golden-goal elimination to Korea Republic in the Round of 16. And at EURO 2004 in Portugal his luck was out once again when Italy were eliminated in the group phase.

Those disappointments were all forgotten at Germany 2006, however, when Buffon won his first major international trophy with the national team. The Juventus shotstopper had a vital part to play in Italy's penalty-shootout win in the Final against France, keeping out Zinedine Zidane's extra-time header with a superb leaping save and then winning a bout of spot-kick mind games with his Juve team-mate David Trezeguet, forcing the Frenchman to change his usual penalty-taking technique.

Never less than fully committed, Buffon has also suffered his fair share of injuries, not unlike his idol, the former Cameroon star Thomas N'Kono, after whom the Juventus and Italy legend named his son.

Fabio Cannavaro

• Date of Birth: 13 September 1973
• Height: 175 cm
• Shirt number: 5
• Position: Defender
• Current club: Juventus (ITA)
• International Caps: 131
• International Goals: 2
• First international: Italy - Northern Ireland (22-01-1997)

Club History

• Real Madrid (ESP) : From 2006 to 2009
• Juventus (ITA) : From 2004 to 2006
• Parma (ITA) : From 1995 to 2002
• Napoli (ITA) : From 1991 to 1995

Profile

Italy's FIFA World Cup™ winning captain Fabio Cannavaro is a worthy successor to the country's dynasty of great defenders, acquiring hero status in a land where making a perfect tackle is accorded the same importance as a spectacular volley.

Realising that the skills of dribbling and scoring goals were beyond him, Cannavaro honed his defensive attributes in the streets of the working-class Naples suburb of Fuorigrotta, overlooked by the Stadio San Paolo. Those makeshift games, played with dustbin bags for goals, served him well, and over the course of nearly 500 Serie A matches and 100 Liga outings, he has perfected the sliding tackle and the art of anticipation, dominating the penalty box with his sheer physical presence.

A ball boy during Napoli's glory years, Cannavaro was inspired by the exploits of Diego Maradona and his team-mates. His role model, however, was not the Argentinian magician but the dependable stopper Ciro Ferrara, who was seven years his elder but would quickly become a trusted team-mate and mentor.

The youngster took his Serie A bow against Juventus at the imposing Stadio delle Alpi on 7 March 1993. At the age of 22 he moved to Parma, where he formed a formidable rearguard with France's Lilian Thuram and goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.

Having been an integral part of Cesare Maldini's U-21 team, under whom he won the UEFA European U-21 Championship in 1994 and 1996, he stepped up to the full national side in January 1997, appearing in a 2-0 defeat of Northern Ireland in Palermo. Yet his first major finals ended in disappointment when Italy were knocked out by the hosts at France 1998, with the French again thwarting Cannavaro and Co in the final of UEFA EURO 2000.

Another sad exit at Korea/Japan 2002 was followed by his departure to Inter Milan. A broken tibia cut short his season in 2003/04 but before he had made his recovery, the centre-half decided to jump ship to Juventus, where he teamed up once more with Thuram and Buffon. Before long, he has established himself as a leader of the Bianconeri pack.

Cannavaro arrived at the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany having taken over the captaincy from Paolo Maldini, who had just retired from the international scene. His calm approach set the tone for the team and his outstanding performances showed that here was a player at the peak of his powers.

Stylish and unflustered throughout, Cannavaro even had the pleasure of celebrating his 100th cap in the Final, an occasion made even sweeter by Italy's shootout win over the French.

In the wake of that triumph Cannavaro signed for Real Madrid. There he pulled on the prestigious No5 jersey, worn before him by a certain Zinedine Zidane. He has since signed a contract to return to Turin and Juventus, where he will likely finish off his career where it began.

Rio Ferdinand

Ferdinand has overcome numerous off-field problems to earn his status as one of the most composed central defenders in the game. The London-born player endured a torrid period including a drugs ban, a contract dispute and injury. But the Manchester United and England defender is still viewed as one of the best around.

The former West Ham United and Leeds United player joined United for around £30 million, a British transfer record for a defender, in July 2002 and has won almost everything there is to win in the club game: the Premier League, Champions League and League Cup, although he missed out on United's FA Cup win in 2004 due to a suspension for missing a routine drugs test.

At international level Ferdinand has established himself as first-choice centre back under successive England managers but it came a long time after making his debut at the age of 19 years and 8 days as a substitute in a friendly against Cameroon on November 15, 1997, making him the youngest defender to play for England at the time.

A lack of concentration curtailed his fledgling England career but, since maturing, the Peckham-born player has been to the 2002 and 2006 World Cup tournaments and was given captaincy of the side in February 2010 after John Terry's was stripped of the title, although missed out on the 2010 World Cup through injury.

Strengths: An excellent reader of the game, he has great positional sense and shows composure on the ball.

Weaknesses: His languid style can sometimes get him into trouble and he still suffers from the occasional lapse of concentration.

Career high: Lifting the Champions League trophy after he captained Manchester United to victory over Chelsea in the 2008 final in Moscow.

Career low: Missing a routine drugs test and missing half a Premier League season and Euro 2004 due to an eight month ban.

Style: Calm, composed, a player who uses his good positional sense to make interceptions.

Quotes: "I'm going to call you Pelé, son, I like the way you play." Youth coach Dave Goodwin spots an 11-year-old Ferdinand at the district trials.

Trivia: Rio comes from footballing stock, brother Anton and cousin Les have both played for England at various levels, but off the pitch he runs a music record label, White Chalk Music, and had a prank-based TV series called Rio's World Cup Wind-Ups.

Jermain Defoe

Since his days as a teen prodigy at West Ham, where he arrived as sixteen-year-old via a controversial move from Charlton, this England international has been regarded as one of the foremost finishers in the country.

A loan spell at Bournemouth in the old Second Division during the 2000-01 season saw him match a post-war record of scoring in ten consecutive matches and he showed similar qualities when granted his chance by the Hammers. Their relegation in 2002-03 eventually saw him sold the following January to Tottenham where he enjoyed intermittent gluts of goalscoring before eventually losing his place to the partnership of Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov.

A move to Portsmouth in January 2008 proved fruitful in terms of goals before he was then sold back to Spurs twelve months on for a considerable profit. However, as a result of the timing of his moves between the clubs, he missed out on a 2007-08 FA Cup winner's medal with Pompey by virtue of being cup-tied, having previously missed out on Spurs' Carling Cup win the same season despite playing in every round bar the final. Strengths: A quick-thinking striker who matches a poacher's instinct with a thunderous shot from long range. An impact player from the bench who can profit from tiring defenders. Weaknesses: Defoe has long been accused of not being able to play a bigger part in holding the ball up and being too selfish in possession. Career high: Scoring five goals in a single game as Tottenham ran riot to beat Wigan 9-1 in November 2009. Career low: Being omitted from Sven Goran Eriksson's 23-man England squad for World Cup 2006. Style: Pacy, instinctive, self-assured, a confidence player Quotes: "He looks stronger than I have ever seen him and I have known him since he was 14. He has done a lot of work in the gym in the summer and he looks even more explosive." Harry Redknapp, August 2009 Trivia: Defoe is a one-time paramour of David Beckham's sister Joanne.

Emile Heskey

Initially a figure of fun for his poor finishing, Heskey emerged as a vital player for club and country due to his unselfish work as a lone target man. His club career blossomed at Aston Villa, after several years of inconsistency, while he even won over some of his doubters at international level as well.

After making his name with Leicester City, he earned a move to Liverpool and won the cup treble in 2001. His early partnership with Michael Owen had the pundits purring, but he failed to fire on a regular basis and spells at Birmingham and Wigan saw him drop out of the spotlight before Fabio Capello showed great faith in him and restored him to the forefront of the international setup.

A move to Aston Villa in January 2009 confirmed his ascent, but after a poor 2010 World Cup, he announced his retirement from the international game.

Strengths: Physically powerful and good in the air, he provides others with opportunities and also has a burst of pace.

Weaknesses: His goalscoring record is poor for a striker, he is quite erratic and he does not have the best touch.

Career high: Part of the Liverpool side that won the cup treble in 2001, he bagged 23 goals that season.

Career low: Playing out of position on the left-wing at the 2002 World Cup exposed his limitations and made him the subject of criticism.

Style: Robust, powerful, unselfish, a strong target man.

Quotes: ''He has a lot of experience and a host of international caps ... He has also pulled himself round again when he may have perhaps seen his best days were behind him when he left Liverpool. He has done fantastically well to fight back, so much so that he is now well and truly in Fabio Capello's thoughts.'' Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill, January 2009.

Trivia: His middle name is Ivanhoe. After Sir Walter Scott's popular 19th Century novel.

Samir Nasri

Long touted as the 'new Zinedine Zidane' thanks to his upbringing in Marseille and Algerian heritage, Nasri was purchased by Arsenal in 2008 as a replacement for winger Alex Hleb. However, he has proved equally adept in the central role favoured by his illustrious compatriot and his versatility in midfield makes him an important player for Arsenal.

Beginning his career with Marseille aged just nine years old, Nasri began to play in Ligue 1 in the 2004-05 season where he made an impression at 17. He was involved in the French national set-up at Under-16, 17, 18, 19 and 21 level and has been part of the French national team system since the age of 14, even if he failed to secure a place in the squad for the 2010 World Cup.

In the 2006-07 campaign he was named Ligue 1's Young Player of the Year ahead of Karim Benzema and 12 months later joined Arsenal for a fee in the region of £15 million. His impact was immediate as the midfielder scored on his debut against West Brom and enjoyed a productive first season in England, famously scoring twice in a 2-1 win over Manchester United in November 2008.

Though a broken leg sustained in pre-season hindered his progress at the start of the 2009-10 season, Nasri continued to display his qualities either wide in a front three, in a withdrawn central role or tucked in behind a lone striker, proving a able deputy for captain Cesc Fabregas when required. A stunning goal in a 5-0 win over Porto was the exception rather than the rule but Nasri is already a key player for the Gunners.

Strengths: Nasri boasts formidable technique and his vision and his imagination make him an unpredictable opponent. His passing and movement is excellent and his versatility is a real asset.

Weaknesses: He could be more potent in front of goal and Nasri often appears reluctant to track back and help out in defence. He needs to be more consistent if he is to reach the level of Fabregas.

Career high: A quite brilliant goal against Porto in March 2010 when he cut in from the right wing, dribbled past four opponents and finished from a tight angle. The strike was named Arsenal's goal of the season.

Career low: His surprise exclusion from the France squad that travelled to the World Cup finals in 2010.

Style: Intelligent, creative, patient, a stylish playmaker.

Quotes: "It is annoying. The work we do is not getting the credit it deserves because we are not winning silverware. It is unfair because I think we have more merit as a club than those who have built their teams with millions of pounds whereas Arsenal have brought in young footballers, who have come here to play a certain kind of football and who have developed." Nasri on Arsenal's trophy drought, April 2010.

Trivia: Nasri's partner is French tennis player Tatiana Golovin.

Cesc Fábregas

Along with Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique, Fabregas emerged from the Barcelona cantera but it is under the guidance of Arsene Wenger at Arsenal that he has become one of world football's most sought-after players. Barcelona, and his former colleagues, have mounted a relentless campaign to convince him to return to Camp Nou but Fabregas remains one of the Premier League's leading players at present.

Unlike the aforementioned Messi, Fabregas left hometown club Barcelona at the age of just 16 when joining Arsenal in 2003 and it was a gamble that quickly paid off. After the club had gone unbeaten in 2003-04, Wenger could ignore the talent of Fabregas no longer and his stunning emergence the following season even convinced his manager to sell captain Patrick Vieira, such was his faith in the Spaniard who took the famous number four shirt.

An FA Cup final victory in 2005 aside, Fabregas may have been starved of silverware in North London but he is already regarded as one of the club's modern-day greats and has accumulated well over 200 appearances. The 2007-08 Young Player of the Year, Fabregas was installed as Arsenal captain in November2008 and has thrived in Arsenal's free-flowing formation as its creative lynchpin.

Fabregas also hit a rich seam of form in the 2009-10 season when operating in a more advanced role, scoring 19 goals in all competitions. He produced the assist for Andres Iniesta's winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final to become a world and European champion with Spain.

Strengths: A quite superb passer of the ball who possesses both excellent vision and the ability to dictate the pace and tempo of a contest. Has a strong character and mentality to complement his technical excellence and has become more potent in front of goal.

Weaknesses: Fabregas is largely impeccable but a lack of real pace is noticeable.

Career high: Poking the ball through for Andres Iniesta to score the winning goal in the World Cup final in 2010.

Career low: Defeat to his former club Barcelona in the final of the 2006 Champions League.

Style: Composed, cultured, creative, a wonderful passer.

Quotes: "His vision is comparable to [Michel] Platini, and that is a compliment. He is at the start of his career and we know that Platini has finished his. Cesc has it all in front of him, but he has a vision and he will develop still more." Arsene Wenger, September 2007.

Trivia: Fabregas became Arsenal's youngest ever player in any competition on October 28, 2003 when appearing in a League Cup tie against Rotherham aged just 16 years and 177 days.

Nicklas Bendtner

Offered a mixed reception at Arsenal since he made the breakthrough into the first team in 2008, the striker is a key performer for his country and is highly rated by Gunners manager Arsene Wenger, although suffers from the odd lack of focus that has not made him the most popular of players.

Bendtner began his career in his homeland but joined Arsenal as a youngster in 2004. He first came to the fore with a good scoring spell on loan at Birmingham in 2006 and returned to Arsenal a year later to fight for his place in the first team. A Danish youth international, he made his debut for the senior side at just 18 years old and has continued to develop into a fine striker, albeit prone to an occasional lack of judgement.

Caught leaving a nightclub after Arsenal's 3-1 defeat by Man Utd in May 2009, Bendtner was also lucky to escape without serious injury after crashing his car while on the way to training later that year. His off-pitch actions have caused controversy, as have suggestions that he is a disruptive influence in the dressing room, but he remains a good performer when he is on the pitch.

The departure of Emmanuel Adebayor, whom Bendtner famously accused of headbutting him in a Carling Cup defeat to Tottenham, allowed the Dane to take a more senior role in the team in 2009-10 and he scored 12 goals in all competitions before leading the line for his country at the 2010 World Cup.

Strengths: Tall and strong, he is able to hold opponents off the ball and has a good eye for a pass. He can make a real impact off the bench and has an aerial threat boosted by a terrific jump.

Weaknesses: His finishing has come under the microscope after some high-profile misses, while his attitude has also been questioned. Accused of arrogance in the past.

Career high: Scoring his first Premier League goal - the winner against Tottenham in December 2007 - and picking up the record for the fastest goal ever scored by a substitute (1.8 seconds).

Career low: Fighting with Emmanuel Adebayor on the pitch against Tottenham in the Carling Cup in January 2008. Or wearing pink boots at the end of that year.

Style: Confident, powerful, pacy, a physical presence up front.

Quotes: "He is a player who will improve every year. Nicklas is a good size and is a very pacy player considering his size. He has an intelligent game with good vision." Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, October 2009.

Trivia: When Bendtner decided to swap his number from 26 to 52 for the 2009-10 season, he offered to pay for all the Arsenal fans who had bought his shirt to have the number changed, out of his own pocket.

Abou Diaby

It remains one of football's most perplexing mysteries why Abou Diaby is so frequently compared to his illustrious predecessor in the Arsenal midfield, Patrick Vieira. Since arriving at the club in 2006, Diaby has proved to be a very different kind of player to the former Gunners captain, and still has some way to go if he is to demonstrate the same consistent excellence as his compatriot.

After graduating from France's famous Clairefontaine academy in 2002, Diaby struggled for regular first-team football with Auxerre and joined Arsenal as a promising 19-year-old in January 2006. Though his arrival was somewhat overshadowed by those of Emmanuel Adebayor and Theo Walcott, amid an atypical flurry of transfer activity in North London, Diaby quickly settled into his stride.

That early promise was brought to a shuddering halt in May of 2006 though when he suffered a fractured dislocated ankle following a challenge from Sunderland's Dan Smith. The serious injury prevented him from playing in the Champions League final and resulted in an eight-month absence from first-team football. Arsene Wenger was so furious he threatened to take legal action.

Diaby eventually made his comeback in January 2007, although persistent fitness problems continued to afflict the dynamic midfielder, with a series of niggles and more serious problems restricting his impact over the next two seasons. However, the 2009-10 campaign would see Diaby enjoy a sustained run in the side as he impressed alongside Alex Song in the heart of midfield. After scoring six league goals and enjoying some consistency he travelled to the World Cup where he appeared in all three of France's group games.

He is at his best when afforded a central role alongside a ball-winner, but the versatile Diaby is also capable of performing out wide or in behind the striker. Vieira, for all his qualities, could never say the same.

Strengths: The Frenchman's touch is superb and his excellent close control means he is hard to get off the ball. Though adept at tackling, his real skill lies in the way he uses the ball, either dribbling past opponents or slipping passes to team-mates.

Weaknesses: Inconsistency. Diaby has a habit of disappearing for a number of games in succession and he can lack concentration, giving his performances something of an unpredictable air.

Career high: A 5-2 win away at Fenerbahce in the Champions League in October 2008. Diaby played in an advanced role and responded magnificently, scoring once in a fine team performance.

Career low: Diaby feared for his future in the game after being on the receiving end of a horrible tackle from Sunderland's Smith in May 2006. He was out of action for eight months and suffered persistent fitness problems for some time.

Style: Languid, elusive, athletic, an enigmatic midfielder.

Quotes: "This year in central midfield he has really stepped up and improved tremendously. He has become a very strong player." Arsene Wenger during the 2009-10 season.

Trivia: Diaby graduated from Clairefontaine alongside Marseille's Hatem Ben Arfa in 2002. During their time at the school the two kids were caught on camera by a documentary team having to be pulled apart during a prolonged physical confrontation.

Wesley Sneijder

A top player with a fine range of passing and the ability to score the spectacular, Inter Milan's Sneijder finds himself at his third professional club after becoming one of the many Dutch casualties at Real Madrid.

A product of the hugely successful Ajax youth academy, Sneijder made his professional debut in a 2-0 win at Excelsior in December 2002. A dead-ball specialist, Sneijder carved out a reputation as a goal-scoring midfielder, and netted 43 goals in 126 games for the Amsterdam club. A £20 million move to Real Madrid in 2007 got off to a great start as he scored five goals in his first four appearances. But he would be sold after just two seasons, opting to move to Serie A to link up with Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan.

It was a wonderful move, as he picked up the Treble of league, cup and Champions League in his first season and led his side to the World Cup final. He had already proved his international credentials with a starring role in Euro 2008 and, with five goals in South Africa, made himself one of the most respected midfielders in the game.

Strengths: Quick, strong and powerful with accurate shooting ability. Can play with both feet.

Weaknesses: Lacks height and can go missing in games.

Career high: Winning the Treble with Inter Milan in 2009-10.

Career low: Being forced out of Real Madrid after just two seasons.

Style: Good with both feet and a real weapon from set-pieces, Sneijder possesses a brilliant shot in his armoury. Can destroy any team with his attacking ability.

Quotes: "Leaving Madrid is not a defeat. They have treated me very bad, but I prefer not to speak, really. Inter are one of the biggest clubs in the world, for four years they have been Italian champions, and I am proud to wear the Nerazzurra jersey. This is a World Cup year and I want to go there as a protagonist." Wesley Sneijder in August 2009.

Trivia: The player claims that his style is down to his upbringing, playing "cage" football against older children in Ondiep.

Gareth Frank Bale

Gareth Frank Bale, was born 16 July 1989. He is a Welsh footballer who currently plays for Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur and the Wales national team. He is a left wingback who can also play as a left winger.

Bale began his professional career with Championship side Southampton in 2005 and was transferred to Tottenham Hotspur two years later.


Bale was born in Cardiff to parents Frank, a school caretaker, and Debbie, an operations manager; he attended Eglwys Newydd Primary School at Whitchurch. He is the nephew of former Cardiff City footballer Chris Pike. It was while at this school he first came to the attention of Southampton at nine years old, when he was playing in a 5-a-side tournament with his first club, Cardiff Civil Service Football Club.

Bale then attended Whitchurch High School in Cardiff, where, as well as football, he played rugby and hockey and was a distance runner. Because of his superior skills, the school's PE teacher, Gwyn Morris, had to write special rules. These restricted Bale to playing one-touch football and not using his left foot. Whilst at Whitchurch, Bale trained at Southampton's satellite academy in Bath, although there was initially some doubt if Southampton would give him a scholarship due to his height.

Despite being only 16 at the time, he helped the school's under-18 side win the Cardiff & Vale Senior Cup. He left school in the summer of 2005 with a Grade A in PE amongst his GCSE results. In his final year at school, he was awarded the PE department's prize for services to sport. In the presentation, Morris commented:

"Gareth has a fierce determination to succeed and has the character and qualities to achieve his personal goals. He is one of the most unselfish individuals that I have had the pleasure to help educate."


Southampton

On 17 April 2006, at the age of 16 years and 275 days, Bale became the second youngest player ever to play for Southampton (after Theo Walcott) when he made his debut against Millwall. Southampton won the match 2–0. On 6 August, Bale scored his first league goal, a free kick, to level the score at 1–1 against Derby County. The final score at Pride Park was 2–2.

He scored again, at St. Mary's, against Coventry City in the team's second game of the 2006–07 season with another free kick. Bale further developed his reputation as a free kick specialist when he struck the post from one against West Bromwich Albion. By 16 December 2006, Bale's goal count had risen to five, thanks to a late equaliser against Sunderland and free-kicks away to Hull and at home to Norwich City.

In December 2006, he won the Carwyn James Award for the BBC Wales Young Sports Personality of the Year, and was named the Football League Young Player of the Year on 4 March 2007. This capped what was described in the local press as an "incredible" first full season as a professional footballer in which he was one of the Saints' "most creative players even (though operating) from the left-back position whilst his defending improved immeasurably as the season progressed."

His final game for Southampton was in the first leg of the Championship play-off semi-final against Derby County on 12 May 2007. Bale suffered an injury during the second half, preventing him from appearing in the second leg. In total, he made 45 appearances for Southampton, scoring five goals.

Tottenham Hotspur

Bale completed a transfer to Tottenham Hotspur on 25 May 2007, arranging a four-year deal, with Tottenham making an immediate payment of £5 million, with further additional payments that could see Bale's transfer go up to £10 million.

He played his first game for Spurs in a friendly against St. Patrick's Athletic on 12 July 2007, but was substituted on the 80th minute with a minor dead-leg. He then made his competitive debut for Tottenham Hotspur on 26 August away against Manchester United. In just his second Spurs appearance, he scored his first goal for Tottenham in the 3–3 draw with Fulham on 1 September when he latched on to Robbie Keane's flick, charged down the left flank unopposed and coolly slotted past goalkeeper Antti Niemi. Bale then went on to score again against Arsenal in the North London Derby, scoring a free kick inside the near post. He then scored in the League Cup home tie against Middlesbrough, making it three goals in four starts for the then 18-year-old. He also set up Spurs' goal against Anorthosis Famagusta in the UEFA Cup.

Bale was substituted after sustaining an injury resulting from a tackle from Fabrice Muamba in the league fixture against Birmingham City on 2 December 2007. A scan revealed that Bale had suffered ligament damage to his right ankle, consigning Bale to an extended period on the sidelines. Spurs' sporting director Damien Comolli announced in February 2008 that Bale would miss the rest of the season through injury. He signed a new four-year deal with the club in August 2008.

Bale played a record 24 Premier League games for Spurs without being on the winning side. His first involvement in a Premier League victory came against Burnley on 26 September 2009 – more than two years after signing for Spurs – when he came on as an 85th minute substitute.

In June 2009, Bale underwent surgery for a knee injury, ruling him out for up to eight weeks. He missed the pre-season matches and it was projected that he would miss the first few weeks of the 2009–10 season. On 26 September, he made his comeback as a substitute in the Spurs' 5–0 thrashing of Burnley. However, he endured a frustrating time on the bench as Benoît Assou-Ekotto was in good form. When Assou-Ekotto was sidelined with an injury, manager Harry Redknapp decided to give Bale a chance and he impressed in the Spurs' FA Cup third-round 4–0 win over Peterborough. He finally tasted victory for the first time as a starter in a league game in the 2–0 win over London rivals Fulham. His good form continued and he was named Player of the Round after helping the Spurs to a 3–1 win in the sixth round replay of the FA Cup against Fulham. In April 2010, Bale scored another goal against Arsenal after a pass from Defoe he tapped the ball past the Arsenal keeper. Three days later, Bale slammed in Tottenham's second with his weaker right foot in a 2–1 victory over leaders Chelsea and was named Man of the Match. He was named Barclays Player of the Month for April. He signed a new four-year contract at White Hart Lane on 7 May 2010 as a reward for helping the club reach the Champions League qualification place.

On 21 August, Bale scored twice in a 2–1 win at Stoke City, the second of which was a head-high volley into the top right hand corner of the goal. On 25 August, Bale set up all four goals to help Spurs overcome Young Boys 4–0 (6–3 agg.) in a Champions League play-off at White Hart Lane. Although Assou-Ekotto had already returned from injury, Bale continued his good form and cemented his place in the starting eleven, moving forward to left wing to accommodate Assou-Ekotto at left back. On 29 September 2010, Bale scored his first Champions League goal for Tottenham in a 4–1 home win against Dutch champions FC Twente in their second game of the group stages. In recognition, he was named Welsh Player of the Year by the FAW. On 20 October, Bale scored his first senior hat trick against European champions Internazionale at the San Siro in the Champions League. Tottenham lost the match 4–3, having been 4–0 down inside the first 35 minutes and playing with ten men for over 80 minutes of the match after goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes had been sent off in the eighth minute for a professional foul on Inter's Jonathan Biabiany. In the return match at White Hart Lane on 2 November, Bale provided a man of the match performance, setting up goals for Peter Crouch and Roman Pavlyuchenko to earn Spurs a memorable 3–1 win.

On 4 November, Bale stated that he intended to stay at Tottenham for the remainder of his recently-signed four-year contract, despite reported interest from other clubs.

Dendi Santoso

Dendi Santoso, was born in Malang, East Java, May 9, 1990, age 19 years. He is an Indonesian footballer. Currently he plays for Super League Arema Indonesia in Indonesia. He started learning football at SSB UB 82, then he netted in Arema Academy in 2004. after that in 2006 he entered the team Arema Jr. Soeratin Cup U-18 National Youth League, in 2007 Arema Jr. He helped bring LRN Soeratin Cup champion U-18. In 2008 he became part of the team B or U-21 team Arema. In the second round of the Indonesia Super League 2008/09 status rose to senior players. He usually plays as a wing attacker. He is a member of the national team squad for U-23 Sea Games 2009, which deployed in Vientiane, Laos.

Yongki Ariwibowo

Yongki Ariwibowo football player who started his career from School Football (SSB) Sinar Jaya, Tulungagung, indeed a clever striker typical position in front of the opponent's goal. Agility to bring the ball is also noteworthy. With a height of 175cm and weighs 63kg, he is also adept at eating the balls up.

Familiar or Bowo said Yong, a young man born 21 years ago precisely dated November 23, 1989 menggocek hone his ball on the Sinar Jaya Tulungagung SSB. Furthermore football career continues to Perseta Junior Tulungagung. In Perseta Junior, rather than the more moncer Yong talents, but that instead he often dibangkucadangkan by coach Perseta Junior. Not like in the "cage" itself, he's anchoring his feet to graze the neighboring soccer clubs, PSBI Blitar that in fact as a caste club level higher than Perseta. Yong position as a clever striker position in front of the opponent's goal and has a running speed above the average make Persik Kediri interested administrators and recruited him as a player Peaches Junior.

Although it has been recruited as a player "White Tiger" a caste Junior notch higher than PSBI Blitar, again - again fate Bowo not so lucky. He is more often a late substitute and overshadowed the other young strikers like Aan Andik. While the senior team at the time Peaches filled with top stars such as El Loco league Indonesia Gonzales, Budi Sudarsono, Ronald Fagundez etc., so the name of the players born in Tulungagung 23 November 1989 is very very not taken into account.

Davide Santon

Davide Santon, who was born 2 January 1991 in Portomaggiore, Ferrara. He is an Italian footballer who plays for Serie A club Internazionale. He is an attacking full back who can play on both sides and is known for his energetic runs down the flank.

Santon joined Internazionale's youth system at age 14 from Ravenna. He started out as a winger before moving into a defensive role. After helping the Primavera side win the 2006–07 Campionato Primavera and reaching the final play-off for a second consecutive season, he was called-up to join the first team for the 2008–09 pre-season training in South Tyrol and training sessions during the first half of the season.

José Mourinho first named Santon in the line up for a September Champions League game against Panathinaikos and the next three games but did not use him. On 21 January 2009, Santon made his debut in the Coppa Italia quarterfinal win against Roma, playing the entire match. Four days later, he made his Serie A debut in a 1–0 victory against Sampdoria. He made his European debut in the home draw with Manchester United, playing directly against Cristiano Ronaldo and showing great performances against the Portuguese winger. Ronaldo himself said about Santon: "I was impressed by Santon; he is a really interesting lad and a great footballer." Mourinho praised Santon for his personality and tactical versatility and Santon was handed the starting role for the next game. He started 13 league games, making 2 substitute appearances, thus winning his first senior honour, the 2008–09 Serie A title.

Recently, he has also become subject of praise from former Italy head coach Marcello Lippi, who described Santon as "A predestined that reminds of a young Paolo Maldini."


Santon made his first appearance for Inter in the 2009–10 season against Parma on Matchday 3, and subsequently started the game against Cagliari the week after. He was out until the new year after sustaining a knee meniscus injury while on international duty. He made his return in January as a substitute against Bari and called back into the starting eleven for the injured Cristian Chivu. However, his return was short-lived as he injured the same knee again after returning too soon from the previous injury and required surgery, thus sidelining him for another three to five weeks.

In 2010-11 season, as first Santon was a understudy of Chivu, but after Maicon's injury (and later Chivu), Santon returned to starting line-up in November (except the Milan derby and UCL matchday 5). He then played twice as right wing-forward due to the injury crisis of Inter, which the first one is a 5–2 win against Parma; that match the coach preferred Cordoba and Zanetti on both flank of defensive line, which also used in UCL against Twente. Having been told he can leave the club, english side Liverpool FC are currently discussing a move for Santon.


Santon has played for Italy since the U-16 level and made a goal-scoring debut on April 2007 in a 3–1 win over Slovenia. On 31 March 2009, he made his debut for the Italy U-21 squad in a friendly against the Netherlands, played at Parkstad Limburg Stadion, Kerkrade and ended in a 1–1 draw.

Santon made his debut with the senior Italian team aged 18, on 6 June 2009 in a friendly game against Northern Ireland played in Pisa. He played the whole match and his solid performances earned him praise from his peers as well as coach Marcello Lippi. Lippi was impressed enough to name him in the roster for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, but Santon did not manage to make an appearance in the tournament.

Sjahbandi Hanif

An Indonesian teenager can experience at the club Manchester United. Sjahbandi Hanif, who is also a member of the national team U-13 Indonesia could get valuable experience studying at Manchester United Soccer School.

Hanif, who was born on 7 April 1997, participated in a short school that was held at Manchester United Soccer School, Manchester, England. There, Hanif also competed in the arena of World Skills Final.

"Hanif first went to MU, July 2009. He was then chosen as the best student and was invited to perform at the World Skills Final in October 2009," said Tia Aryasyah, Hanif's mother to VIVAnews, Tuesday, February 2, 2010.

Hanif joined MU breeding program in the year 2009. There he joined with several other young players from several countries.

This he gan Sjahbandi Hanif, position him as a back gan, a candidate nation shoots Indonesia
he's also already played in the national team aged 13 loh.penerus bambang ultimate cs later gan
hopefully he will be able to bring Indonesia into the World Cup and brought many achievements for Indonesian football!

John Alan Fleck

John Alan Fleck, who was born at 24 August 1991 in Glasgow, Scotland. He is a Scottish footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder. He currently plays for Scottish Premier League side Rangers. Due to his style of play, he has drawn comparisons to Manchester United and England footballer Wayne Rooney, from team-mate Steven Whittaker. He is the nephew of former Rangers and Norwich player, Robert Fleck.

Fleck began his career in the Rangers youth teams. He played in Rangers 5–0 Scottish Youth Cup victory over Celtic on 26 April 2007.

On 12 July 2007, Fleck was called up to take part in the full squad pre-season tour of Germany. Fleck was handed his debut for the first team against SV Lippstadt 08 on 15 July 2007, becoming the first 15 year old to play for the first team since Derek Ferguson in 1982. Fleck impressed and scored in a 3–1 friendly victory over Sportfreunde Lotte in the next friendly game.

On 25 August 2007, just a day after his 16th birthday, Fleck was included for the first time in the Rangers first team squad for a competitive match against Kilmarnock. He made his competitive debut on 23 January 2008 in the Scottish Cup game against East Stirling. Fleck made his league debut for Rangers on 22 May 2008 in the final league game of the season against Aberdeen. Two days later, he became the youngest player to play in a British Cup final, by appearing as a substitute in the 2008 Scottish Cup Final against Queen of the South. Fleck gained his first start for Rangers against Falkirk on 17 January 2009. Five days before this, The Times Newspaper placed Fleck seventh in their Top 50 Rising Stars of European football.

Fleck scored his first competitive goal in a 2–0 league victory over Dundee United at Ibrox on 31 January 2009. The goal was a 78th minute penalty, awarded after Mihael Kovacevic's challenge had brought Fleck to the ground. On 26 March 2010, Fleck signed a new three-year contract.

On 12 September 2006, Fleck captained Scotland Under 16s to an 11–0 victory over Jersey Under 17s, scoring a hat trick in the process. He was the captain of the Scotland side at the 2006 Victory Shield competition. He also captained the Scotland Under 17 side throughout 2007 and 2008 and is a regular at Under 19 level. He made his debut for the Scotland U21 side on 29 March 2009.

Alexandre Pato

Alexandre Rodrigues da Silva (born 2 September 1989), commonly known as Alexandre Pato or simply Pato, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Italian Serie A club Milan and the Brazilian national team. His nickname, Pato, refers to his place of birth, Pato Branco, it is also a reference to his nickname "the duck", the literal translation of pato in Portuguese.

He started playing indoor football in his hometown at the age of three. Soon, his ability became known all around the south Brazilian state of Paraná for being a skillful and talented goal scorer and, after being praised by many of his managers, the teenager went to Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, to try out for Grêmio. He was turned away by Grêmio, the club whom he had supported since a boy – but local rivals Internacional convinced him to play for them. Despite the two clubs being bitter enemies, Pato’s parents convinced their youngster to switch his allegiance.

Pato said in an interview with the Brazilian television program, Esporte Espetacular that at age 11, he broke his arm and while examining the injuries, doctors found a tumour in the arm and feared the arm needed to be amputated. A successful operation removed the tumour.

In June 2006, at only 16 years of age, Pato was signed by Sport Club Internacional to compete in the Campeonato Brasileiro Sub-20. Despite the fact that he was competing against players up to four years older than him, Pato became top scorer of the competition as Internacional Sub-20 defeated Grêmio 4–0. Ready to join the Inter first team in November that same year, his debut finally happened at the Estádio Palestra Itália against São Paulo giants Palmeiras for the Campeonato Brasileiro. Alexandre Pato met and surpassed any and all expectations of what was expected of him as he scored his first professional goal within the first minute of the game. The rest of his participation was spent dribbling and confusing defenders as he made two assists (and almost scoring another himself) to help Internacional rout Palmeiras 4–1. He was substituted off in the 77th minute.

Pato was included in the Internacional squad that won the 2006 FIFA Club World Cup. During this event, Pato broke Pelé's long standing record as he became the youngest ever player to score in a FIFA organised competition at the age of 17 years and 102 days old against African club champions Al-Ahly. Pelé was 17 years and 239 days old when he scored against Wales during the 1958 FIFA World Cup.

Keeping up with his promising figure, Pato debuted at the Campeonato Gaúcho on February 24 against Veranópolis and scored a goal in the 2–1 victory. He also debuted in Copa Libertadores on February 28 against Emelec of Ecuador (also his first game at Beira-Rio) and scored once during the 3–0 thumping. But the biggest highlight of Pato's time with Internacional was during the Recopa Sudamericana as he helped Internacional win their first ever title. Against Pachuca of Mexico, he scored one goal in the 2–1 defeat in Mexico. But on the return game on June 7 and with more than fifty-one thousand Colorados present, Pato had a luxurious performance as he scored once and led the 4–0 thrashing to win Internacional's third international title.

Aaron James Ramsey

Aaron James Ramsey, was born on 26 December 1990. He is a Welsh professional footballer, who plays for the Wales national football team and Nottingham Forest as a central midfielder on loan from Arsenal. He can also play as a winger and at fullback.

Ramsey played for Cardiff City as a schoolboy where he spent eight years in youth football before making appearances for the senior team 16 times. He moved to Arsenal in 2008 and suffered a serious injury, breaking his leg, in 2010. Following his recovery, he played for the Arsenal reserve team before being loaned to Nottingham Forest until early January 2011.

After impressing in an Urdd tournament as a youngster he signed for Cardiff City, who beat off competition from Newcastle United, as a schoolboy at the age of eight, working his way through the club's youth system. After a few more years he eventually made his Cardiff City debut in the last home game of the 2006–07 Championship season, coming on to replace Paul Parry in the final minute of the 1–0 defeat to Hull City on 28 April 2007. In doing so, Ramsey became the youngest player to ever play for Cardiff City, aged just 16 years and 124 days, beating the previous record holder John Toshack. In June 2007, Cardiff City turned down a bid of over £1m for Ramsey from a London-based Premier League club. The club was not named, but it was widely believed that they continued to watch Ramsey at every available opportunity during the 2007–08 season. Cardiff also turned down a £1m offer, although the deal was to start with a payment of £200,000 and rise depending on his future achievements, from Everton.

"Rambo", as he is known to Cardiff City fans, made his first league appearance of the 2007–08 season on 6 October, when he came on as a late substitute for Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink in the 2–1 home win over Burnley. Ramsey signed his first professional contract in December 2007 and went on to make his first full professional start for Cardiff on 5 January in the FA Cup against Chasetown replacing the suspended Stephen McPhail. An impressive performance from Ramsey saw him head in the second Cardiff goal as they went on to win 3–1. Due to his performance against Chasetown, Ramsey was nominated for the Player of the Round award, eventually losing out to Coventry's Michael Mifsud. On 26 April, he scored his first league goal in a 3–3 draw against Burnley. He went on to make his first career league start three weeks later in a 3–1 win over Queens Park Rangers and began to establish himself in the first team making several more starts in the Cardiff side. He made a total of 22 appearances during the season, his first full season of professional football, and played in five of the club's six FA Cup matches, including the final, becoming the second youngest player to play in an FA cup final after Curtis Weston, who played in the 2004 FA Cup Final for Millwall.

Following Ramsey's impressive performance in the 2–0 FA Cup quarter-final win over Middlesbrough it was revealed that Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson had talked to Cardiff boss Dave Jones to inquire about Ramsey, who were later joined by Arsenal and Everton in following his progress. Ramsey grew up a Manchester United fan as he looked up to fellow Welshman Ryan Giggs as well as Roy Keane. Cardiff Chairman Peter Ridsdale told the BBC that Arsenal's bid of £5 million up front had been accepted. Arsenal's bid did not include a loan clause that would allow Ramsey to stay at Cardiff for another season. Cardiff City assistant manager and former Arsenal player and coach Terry Burton, who was credited for having brought through Ramsey, also helped recommend him to Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger, having retained a longstanding connection to the club. During the transfer negotiations, Burton also advised that Ramsey join Arsenal, citing the similarity between the player and the club's overall style of play.

Sofiane Feghouli

Sofiane Feghouli, was born on 26 December 1989. He is a French football player of Algerian descent who currently plays for Valencia CF in Spain. He primarily plays as an attacking midfielder and is more noted for creating goals than scoring them.

Sofiane Feghouli began his career with Grenoble, after French giants Paris Saint-Germain decline to sign him after a trial. For the latter portion of the 2006/07 season, he was promoted to the first-team squad and given the number 33 shirt. He made his highly anticipated debut, at the age of 17, for the club on 27 April 2007 in a Ligue 2 match against Reims appearing as a substitute. Grenoble won the match 1–0. He made two more appearances that season including his first start on the final match day of the season against Montpellier. Montpellier won the match 1–0 with Sofiane playing just 56 minutes before being subbed out. Following the season, he signed his first professional contract with Grenoble keeping him with the side until 2010.

The following season, he was handed the first-team number 8 and, despite being 17 years of age, was given a more important role in the squad. Despite having the pressure of being labeled the "new Zidane", his contribution to the squad was successful appearing in 26 matches and scoring 3 goals helping Grenoble achieve promotion to Ligue 1. His first career goal was against the club he made his debut against, Reims in a 4–3 victory.

Feghouli's first season in Ligue 1 was stable as he entered the season as a starter. The young midfielder started in 16 of the club's first 17 matches before being relegated to a substitute's role in December and the early part of January. He returned to the first eleven in mid-January and remained in the squad until 11 April 2009 following a 1–4 defeat to Marseille, in which Feghouli suffered an extensive injury requiring him to miss the rest of the season. Feghouli returned for the 2009–10 season making his debut on 29 August in an 0–1 defeat to Rhône-Alpes rivals Saint-Étienne. After appearing in five more matches, it was discovered by Grenoble officials that Feghouli had tore his meniscus in his right knee. The knee was successfully operated on in October. Following the surgery, Grenoble officials, most notably CEO Pierre Wantiez, were extremely critical of the player. Wantiez questioned Feghouli's long delay in returning to the team and the player's motives regarding a transfer as Feghouli would be out of contract in the summer and was already talking to several clubs, most notably Spanish club Valencia. Wantiez attributed Feghouli's recent moves to "bad advice" from the player's agent. On 20 May 2010, Feghouli completed his much anticipated move to Valencia signing a four-year contract with the club.

Sofiane is eligible for both Algeria and France. Sofiane has stated his preference is to play for France and has appeared on several France youth squads. On 12 November 2008, national team manager Raymond Domenech shortlisted the player for his pre-selection squad ahead of their friendly against Uruguay. Despite this, Algeria national team manager Rabah Saadane contacted Sofiane by telephone in an attempt to get the player to play for Algeria in their 19 November friendly against Mali. The team captain Yazid Mansouri contacted the player as well.

Sofiane is currently playing with the French under-21 squad. He made his debut for the side on 9 September 2008 against Bosnia and Herzegovina coming on as a substitute for Anthony Mounier. He would make another under-21 appearance on 19 November, this time against Denmark.

Mohamed Sakho

Mohamed Sakho, was born on 5 August 1988 in Conakry. He is a Guinean footballer, who currently plays for the Kuwaiti team, Al-Shabab.

At the end of 2007, Mohamed Sakho played for Etoile du Sahel at the World Club Championship in Japan, having won the CAF Champions League and the Tunisian league title with Etolie Sportive du Sahel. Additionally, Sacko won the Bronze Medal at the World Club Championship in Japan and subsequently won the CAF Super Cup with Etoile Sportive du Sahel at the end of February 2008 and signed in July 2009 for Olympique Beja.

Sacko was one of the twenty-three players of the Syli National ("National Elephant") who participated at the 2008 26th African Nations Cup (CAN) tournament in Ghana, West Africa, where the National Elephant reached the quarter final for the third consecutive time in six years (2004 in Tunisia, 2006 in Egypt, and 2008 in Ghana). Along with Mohamed Dioulde Bah of Strasbourg football club (a French 1st Division team), Sacko was one of the young Syli National players that impressed at the 2008 CAN.

Sacko was one of several players who featured in all four matches played by the National Elephant at the 2008 CAN.

Miralem Pjanić

Miralem Pjanić (born 2 April 1990) is a Bosnian professional football player who plays for French club Olympique Lyonnais in Ligue 1. He plays as an attacking midfielder and has been described as an "old-fashioned playmaker with huge technical qualities".

Pjanić developed an interest in football through his father, a former third division football player in SFR Yugoslavia, and began his football career in Luxembourg following his family's arrival to the country shortly before the outbreak of the war in Bosnia. In 2004, after an interest from a host of external clubs, Pjanić joined French club FC Metz and made his debut in the 2007–08 season at the age of 17. After a successful season, in June 2008, he joined Olympique Lyonnais on a five-year contract. With Lyon, Pjanić made his UEFA Champions League debut in 2008 and, in the following season, helped the club reach the semi-finals.

Pjanić was formerly a youth international for Luxembourg and represented the national team at under-17 and under-19 level. He played at the 2006 UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship scoring the team's lone goal at the competition. In 2008, Pjanić opted to pursue a senior international career with his birth country Bosnia and Herzegovina and made his debut in August 2008. He scored his first international goal two years later in March 2010 against Ghana.

Pjanic was born in the city of Tuzla in Bosnia and Herzegovina, then a part of SFR Yugoslavia. He developed an interest in football through his father Fahrudin, a former football player who had stints at both Jedinstvo Brčko and Drina Zvornik. At the age of one, shortly before the outbreak of war in Bosnia, Pjanić and his family, which consisted of his father, mother Fatima, brother Mirza, and sister Emina, emigrated through Germany to Luxembourg after his father accepted an offer to play football semi-professionally for a club in the Luxembourg Division of Honour.

While in Luxembourg, Pjanić often attended training sessions and matches with his father. At the age of seven, his father discovered that he had the talent and an interest in football and allowed his son to join local club FC Schifflange 95 in Esch-sur-Alzette. While at Schifflange, Pjanić drew interest from several Belgian, Dutch, German clubs, but agreed to join FC Metz in France. Metz had discovered the player through former player and Luxembourg international Guy Hellers. Despite interest from more established clubs, Pjanić's family allowed the youngster to move to Metz due to the club's close proximity to Luxembourg and its excellent reputation for producing youth talent.

Pjanić joined Metz at age 14 on a youth contract and spent approximately three years in the club's academy. In the 2005–06 season, he played on the under-16 team that won the Championnat National des 16 ans and, following the season, signed a five-year élite contract with the club. After spending the 2006–07 season with the club's under-18 team, Pjanić was promoted to the club's amateur team in the Championnat de France amateur for the 2007–08 season. He appeared in the first two matches of the campaign before earning a call up to the senior team by manager Francis De Taddeo. Pjanić made his professional football debut, at the age of 17, on 18 August 2007 in a league match against Paris Saint-Germain. He appeared as a substitute in a 0–0 draw. The following week, he earned his first start in a 2–0 defeat to Rennes.

After a string of respectable appearances, on 30 November 2007, Pjanić signed his first professional contract agreeing to a three-year deal, tying him to Metz until 2010. After becoming professional, he was assigned the number 15 shirt. Pjanić scored his first professional goal for Metz on 15 December 2007 in a 2–1 defeat against Sochaux converting on a penalty in the 88th minute, thus becoming one of the youngest players to score a goal in Ligue 1 history. Among his other positive performances included converting another penalty in a 2–1 loss to Nice and scoring on the final day of the season against Le Mans in a thrilling 4–3 victory.

Pjanić's play in the Coupe de France was with distinction as well appearing in and starting all four matches the club contested. He assisted on several goals in the club's 6–1 demolition of Vesoul Haute-Saône. In the ensuing round, Pjanić scored the final goal in Metz's 3–0 triumph over Strasbourg and played the full 90 minutes in the club's 1–0 win over Lorient in the Round of 16 helping the club who were, at the time, struggling in domestic play, reach the quarter-finals of the Coupe de France. Metz were eventually eliminated by the eventual champions Lyon. In total, Pjanić made 38 appearances and scored 4 goals with Metz. For his efforts, he was nominated for the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year award, won by Hatem Ben Arfa.

Though, Pjanić was in great form throughout the season, Metz still suffered relegation back to Ligue 2 prompting speculation on where the young starlet would play the following season with a host of clubs, notably English clubs Arsenal and Chelsea, Spanish clubs Barcelona and Real Madrid, Italian clubs Milan and Internazionale, and French club Olympique Lyonnais vying for his services.

Sergio Asenjo

Sergio Asenjo Andrés, was born 28 June 1989. He is a Spanish footballer who plays for Atlético Madrid, as a goalkeeper. Born in Palencia, Castile and León, Asenjo began playing in Real Valladolid junior teams, and soon emerged as one of the most talented players in the club. He started the 2007–08 season playing for the reserve team, in the third category, which had just barely avoided relegation the previous campaign. However, poor performances by both first team goalkeepers, Frenchman Ludovic Butelle (on loan from Valencia CF) and veteran Alberto, gave him a chance to make a debut in the top flight, and his first appearance proved a very successful one, as he kept a clean sheet in a 2–0 home win over Villarreal CF, on 12 December 2007.

Following great performances, where he conceded one goal in his first five matches, Asenjo retained his starting job, becoming the youngest league goalkeeper that season. In January 2008, he signed his first professional contract, agreeing to extend his former youth contract with Valladolid for another three years, while also increasing his wage.

Asenjo would eventually play in the remaining league matches, retaining his position throughout 2008–09. However, he also missed three months of action, due to a knee injury.

On 8 July 2009, Asenjo transferred to Atlético Madrid for a fee of €5 million, signing a four-year contract. He started the season as first-choice but, after some costly mistakes - and a change of coach in November 2009 - lost his position to younger David de Gea.

In 2006, Asenjo was selected to the Spanish under-17 national team, as it took home the bronze in the 2006 Under-17 European Championship, with Asenjo as a key player, starting all of their matches.

He was again called up, for the 2007 Under-19 European Championship. In the qualification rounds, his role in the team was quite insignificant, as backup. But this changed in the semifinal against France, replacing the injured first-choice. After 0–0 in regulation time, the game was decided in a penalty shootout. Asenjo saved two, as Spain progressed to the final match, where he started against Greece with another excellent display, as Spain won 1–0 to be crowned European champions.

Asenjo made his U-21 debut in August 2008, and was first-choice at the 2009 European Championships; he also played at the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt.

Mario Balotelli

Mario Barwuah Balotelli, born on 12 August 1990 in Palermo, Italy. He is an Italian footballer who plays as a striker for Manchester City and the Italian national team. Known for his pace, technical ability, and petulant attitude, Balotelli (often nicknamed Super Mario) can play anywhere along the front line. He is a set-piece specialist and is regarded as a promising yet fiery young striker.

Balotelli was born to Ghanaian immigrants Thomas and Rose Barwuah in the Italian city of Palermo. The family moved to Bagnolo Mella in the province of Brescia, Lombardy shortly after Balotelli was born. As a young child, Balotelli had life-threatening complications with his intestines which led to a series of operations, but his condition improved by spring 1992. However Mario's health problems and cramped lifestyle meant the Barwuahs decided to ask for the help of social services who recommended that Mario should be fostered. In 1993, at the age of three, the Barwuah family agreed to entrust Mario to Francesco and Silvia Balotelli, with the legal move successively formalized by the Court of Brescia. Balotelli later accused his biological parents of "glory hunting", stating that they only wanted him back when he became famous. They lived in Concesio, a town and comune in Brescia. According to Law 91 of 5 February 1992, Balotelli had to wait until his 18th birthday in order to request Italian citizenship, as his adoption was never made definitive. He officially gained citizenship on 13 August 2008.

Having had an unsuccessful trial with Barcelona aged 15, Balotelli was signed by Internazionale in 2006, on a loan deal with an option to purchase. He started in their under-17 squad then joined the Primavera under-20 team at the age of 16. He scored a tie-breaking penalty into the Primavera league final 1–0 win over Sampdoria, prompting high praise from people including Inter chairman Massimo Moratti.

Balotelli made his first team and Serie A debut in December 2007, replacing David Suazo in a 2–0 win against Cagliari. Three days later, he featured in the starting lineup in a Coppa Italia match against Reggina, scoring two goals in a 4–1 win. Balotelli gained national attention after he scored two goals against Juventus in the return leg of the Coppa Italia quarter-finals, being instrumental in a 3–2 away win for the Nerazzurri. His first Serie A goal then came in April 2008 in a 2-0 away win against Atalanta. Inter went on to win the 2007–08 scudetto. Balotelli was a substitute in the 2008 Supercoppa Italiana final against Roma. He came on as a replacement for Luís Figo, scoring in the 83rd minute. Inter went on to win the final 6–5 on penalties after the match ended 2–2.

Balotelli in 2008 at 18 years old

Before the start of the 2008–09 season Balotelli signed a three-year contract with Inter. The maximum length he could sign. In November 2008, he scored his first Champions League goal, against Cypriot side Anorthosis Famagusta, becoming the youngest Inter player ever to score in the Champions League. At 18 years and 85 days he beat the previous record set by Obafemi Martins, at 18 years and 145 days. In April 2009, Balotelli scored Inter's goal in a 1–1 draw with Juventus, and was racially abused by Juventus fans throughout the game, including chants such as "a Black Italian does not exist". This led to Massimo Moratti saying that he would have pulled his team off if he had been present. The racist chants were also condemned by Juventus chairman Giovanni Cobolli Gigli. Juventus were handed a one game home fan ban because of the incident. Inter won the Serie A for the fourth time in a row.

In his second season with Inter's first team, Balotelli had a number of disciplinary problems, most notably involving Inter head coach José Mourinho who excluded him from the senior team in the second half of January. The Portuguese boss stated "as far as I'm concerned, a young boy like him cannot allow himself to train less than people like Figo, Córdoba, and Zanetti." Earlier that season Mourinho had accused Balotelli of showing a lack of effort in training. Balotelli also continued to be attacked with racist chants throughout the season, becoming the focus of Juventus fans even during games not involving Internazionale at all; such choruses then led to Juventus being fined twice and the club ultimately being punished with a partial stadium closure due to repeated racist chants.

Balotelli's disciplinary problems and difficult relationship with Mourinho continued in the 2009–10 season. In November, Inter drew 1–1 against Roma and Mourinho criticized his players, even going as far as saying that Balotelli "came close to a zero rating". The young striker again incurred the wrath of Juve fans in the heated Derby d'Italia away encounter with Juventus on 5 December 2009 which Inter lost 2–1. When he was elbowed by Juve midfielder Felipe Melo in the shoulder, he fell on the pitch clutching his face and was promptly booked while Melo was sent off for a second yellow card. The incident sparked a fiery altercation between teammate Thiago Motta and Juve goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. The falling-out between player and manager reached its peak in the eve of the UEFA Champions League second leg against Chelsea, after the young striker was not called-up following an altercation with Mourinho. The youngster was then criticized by several senior players such as captain Javier Zanetti and veteran defender Marco Materazzi as well as his own agent, in the wake of Inter's 1–0 win at Stamford Bridge, London. In March, he came under heavy criticism from fans after he publicly sported a Milan (Inter's crosstown rivals) jersey on the Italian show Striscia la Notizia.
Zlatan Ibrahimović with Balotelli

In the wake of the recent tense situation, Balotelli released a statement of apology in Internazionale's official website, that reads:“ "I am sorry for the situation that has been created recently. I am the first person who has suffered because I adore football and I want to play, and now I am waiting in silence so I can return to being useful to my team. I want to put the past behind me, look to the future and concentrate on the upcoming commitments and make myself ready."

Mario Balotelli 

After being frozen out of the team due to the situation, Balotelli was recalled to the squad for the match against Bologna and he marked his return with a goal in a 3–0 win. However, he once again caused controversy in a Champions League semi-final against Barcelona on 20 April, as he threw his jersey on the ground after the final whistle, in response to Inter fans who had booed him to criticize his poor performance; his reaction, which caused notable disappointment among fans, teammates and football pundits, was succeeded by an attempt by a small group of supporters to physically attack Balotelli after the end of the game.

After such events, Balotelli was excluded from a string of games, including the second leg of the Champions League semifinal versus Barcelona, but was successively featured in the remaining two matches of the Italian league that led Inter to win its 18th national title, as well as the fifth one in a row.