Aliou Cisse - tough-tackling defender. (Allsport)
ALIOU CISSE
Position: Defender
Born: 24.04.76
Club: PSG
While the likes of Pape Thiaw and El Hadji Diouf weave their magic up front, Aliou Cisse is just as important to the Senegal cause.
Cisse is the dominant presence around which Bruno Metsu builds his defensive line-up.
Strong in the tackle, good on the ball and blessed with pace, Cisse has all the attributes needed to shine in any of Europe's top leagues.
Indeed, when he was told he could leave PSG last summer, he was courted by - among others - West Ham and Real Sociedad.
After an unsuccessful trial at Upton Park he opted to go to Montpellier on loan for the season with a view to joining them permanently.
His performances there and during World Cup qualification saw him keep rising star Adama Sarr out of the African Nations Cup and he will be looking to take his good form to Korea and Japan.
His Nations Cup ended in disappointment though as Senegal were beaten on penalties by Cameroon in the final.
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