Real Madrid

Despite being only 23 years old, Lassana Diarrá is already a very experienced player. The French midfielder arrives at Real Madrid hoping to become the master of its midfield, but his versatility also allows him to play as a right back. He is the second signing the Club has made during the winter transfer window.

The French international has spent most of his career in England. Determined to become a football player, he joined Nantes' youth system as a child and later landed in Le Mans, with whom he played in the French Second Division. The last French side he played for was Le Havre (2003-05).

Chelsea noticed his excellent performances in the French championship and signed him in 2005, making him the youngest player in the club's history. He won the Premiership and a Carling Cup with the Blues. Arsene Wenger signed him for Arsenal, where he remained only half a season before he joined Portsmouth in order to play more. He became one of the best players in the Premiership with the Southern team.

France has produced many excellent midfielders in recent years, such as Marcel Desailly, Patrick Viera and Claude Makelele. Diarrá is the latest to join such an illustrious list because he is strong, solid in defence and covers a large part of the pitch. He is excellent in aerial plays despite not being too tall and he is capable of scoring goals from a distance thanks to a powerful shot. His versatility allows him to play both as a midfielder and as a right back.

A dream come true
"Other teams seem less important once someone mentions Real Madrid," he recently said, "It is my dream to play for such a great club." It seems Lassana can boast of having seen his dream come true.