Position: Defender
Born: 11.09.79
Club: Lyon

It is a testament to Eric Abidal's ability that he is thought to be high up on Real Madrid's shoping list as they look for a successor to Roberto Carlos.

A two-time Ligue 1 winner with Lyon, who he joined from Lille two seasons ago, the 26-year-old has won just a handful of caps for the national side since making his debut in 2004 and failed to feature in qualifying.

As quick as many, if not all, of the wingers he comes up against, Abidal is also a fearsome competitor who is not shy of getting stuck in.

The former Monaco man insists his favoured role is in the centre of defence but his performances 'out of position' at full-back have seen him given the daunting tag of 'the new Lilian Thuram'.

This tournament presents Abidal with the chance to showcase his talent on the highest stage of all and to prove Real are right to be showing an interest.