Position: Defender
Born: 06.10.80
Club: Marseille

Abdoulaye Meite took his time to come round to the idea of playing for the Ivory Coast amid rumours that he was holding out for France, the country of his birth, to come calling.

But despite his early reluctance to play for the Elephants, he has become an important part of the team, and competes with Blaise Kossi Kouassi for a place in central defence alongside Kolo Toure.

His career began at Red Star 93, but he was snapped up by French side Marseille in 2002.

Meite settled in well, but his inexperience at the highest level was highlighted during the club's Champion League campaign, where he received criticism for his error-ridden performances.

Meite learnt from the experience and was outstanding as Marseille reached the 2004 UEFA Cup final; indeed his peformances in a central defensive trio against Newcastle and Liverpool earned him recognition in England.

The commanding centre-back has subsequently been linked with Bolton, Middlesbrough and Newcastle and could raise his profile further if he performs well at the World Cup.