Profile
22 Franck Ribery
Position: Midfielder
Born: 01.04.83
Club: Marseille
The future of French football could well rest at the feet of Marseille winger Frank Ribery.
A talented dribbler with quick feet and the ability to beat a man with either skill or raw pace, the 23-year-old is one of two uncapped players in the World Cup squad, along with Wigan defender Pascal Chimbonda.
Already linked with a move to one of Europe's 'bigger' leagues - he is reportedly courted by Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson - Ribery is the sort of player who gets fans off their seats with his array of tricks and flicks.
Yet there is more to his game than just being a showman - more often than not he produces the final ball to go with the build-up play.
Recruited from Marseille on a free transfer - one of the bargains of the decade - after FIFA supported his claim that he had not been paid by former club Galatasaray for four months, Ribery has been in great form for OM and has also shown his ability on the international stage, albeit with the Under-21s.
Likely to be confined to a bench role at least initially this summer, the former Metz man provides good depth to the France squad and is the sort of player who could make an impact against tiring defences.
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