Lauren - now showing his skills at Arsenal (Allsport).
LAUREN
Position: Defender/Midfield
Born: 19.01.77
Club: Arsenal
Struggled to convince the Highbury faithful early on of his ability to play a part in their challenge to regain the Premiership title.
But his increasingly confident displays have made him a first-team regular under Arsene Wenger.
At international level, his finest moment came in the Olympic Games semi-final against Chile when he coolly slotted home an 89th minute penalty to give Cameroon a last-gasp 2-1 win.
He was then part of the side that went on to claim the gold medal by beating Spain on spot-kicks in the final.
Joined the Gunners in the summer of 2001 from Spanish side Mallorca, for a fee of around £7million.
Was more recognised as a midfield player when he moved to Highbury, but struggled to win a regular first-team place in his opening season in the capital.
Had more luck this season, filling in effectively at right-back when veteran Lee Dixon was injured.
Was part of the Cameroon squad that won the African Nations Cup earlier this year - coolly firing in a penalty in the shoot-out victory over Senegal in the final.
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