Full Name: Lassana Diarra
Alias: Lass
Place of Birth: Paris,France
Date of Birth: 1986 10 03
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5′6″ / 170 cm
Nationality: French
Despite being just 23 years old, Lassana Diarra is already a very experienced player. The French midfielder joined Real Madrid hoping to become the master of its midfield, but his versatility also enables him to play as a right back.
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 at Le Mans, with whom he played in the French Second Division. The last French side he played for was Le Havre (2003-05).
Chelsea took interest in Lass’ excellent performances in the French championship and signed him in 2005, making him the youngest player in club history. He won the Premiership and a Carling Cup with the Blues. Arsene Wenger later brought him toArsenal, where he remained only half a season before joining Portsmouth, where he would immediately see more playing time. He became one of the best players in the Premiership with Pompey.
France has produced many excellent midfielders in recent years, includingh Marcel Desailly, Patrick Viera and Claude Makelele. Diarra 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 the aerial game 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.
