Diao - hero of Senegal. (Allsport)
SALIF DIAO
Position: Midfield
Born: 10.02.77
Club: Sedan
Midfielder with plenty of ability who plays his club football in France for Sedan.
Prior to that he had a spell with Monaco, where he grew up with the likes of Fabien Barthez and Thierry Henry.
Became the hero of his nation earlier this year when his extra-time winner against Nigeria took his country in the final of the African Nations Cup.
That final eventually brought agonising defeat on penalties by Cameroon, but Diao's place in Senegalese history was assured.
And now he's looking forward to locking horns with many of his former Monaco team-mates when Bruno Metsu's team face world champions France in the opening game of the finals in the Far East.
His battle for midfield supremacy with Patrick Vieira should be one of the highlights of that showdown.
Was linked with a move to Premiership giants Liverpool before the tournament began.
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