Marcel Desailly - defensive rock (Allsport).
MARCEL DESAILLY
Position: Defender
Born: 07.09.68
Club: Chelsea
Nicknamed 'The Rock', Desailly is undoubtedly one of the world's premier defenders, although it is fair to say that he is entering the autumn of his career.
Born in Ghana, he went on to begin his career as an 18-year-old in Nantes where he spent six seasons before he switched to Marseille.
During his time at OM, Desailly enjoyed Champions League action and recognition by his international peers, who called him up for a debut against Sweden in 1993.
The San Siro was the next stop on his career tour and a highly-successful spell with AC Milan ensued, where he helped the club win the European Cup in his first season.
A strong and combative centre-back, whose versatility enabled him to compete as a defensive midfielder as well, Desailly was a regular in the national side as the French team became a major power in world football.
An integral figure in his country's World Cup 98 and Euro 2000 triumphs, Desailly opted for a move to England where Chelsea paid £4.6million for his services.
He has yet to enjoy his past glories at Stamford Bridge, but he has kept his spot in the national side and will be looking for another winner's medal this summer.
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