Position: Forward
Born: 12.08.81
Club: Auxerre

He is yet to make his international debut and has no domestic medals to display, but the feeling in France is that Djibril Cisse is the next big thing.

Over six feet tall, robust and exceptionally quick, Cisse left his southern home of Arles in Provence to get his break with Auxerre.

Cisse's talent was quickly noted by national bosses and they took him to Germany in 2000 as part of the French under-18 squad.

Though he failed to make a great impact then, he has improved out of all recognition in the last 12 months.

He blasted home 15 goals in Le Championnat last season and played in front of dozens of scouts this term as some of Europe's leading clubs weighed up a possible big-money move for the precocious talent.

Big, strong and plays like a young George Weah.

Pipped Nicolas Anelka for the final striking spot in the French team, and has been linked with Liverpool among others.