20: Jeremy Toulalan

Toulalan is a 24-year old midfielder who currently plays for French Champions Olympique Lyon. He is a relatively young player for the French squad, which comprises a combination of experience, as well as promising youngsters. If he makes the 23-man France squad, Toulalan may struggle to earn a place in Domenech’s starting line-up, even though he is very consistent for his club. Toulalan started his career at the Nantes youth academy, signing a professional contract with the club in 2001. In 2006, he left Nantes after making 94 appearances in which he scored a goal. His destination was Olympique Lyon. He managed to successfully take over the position left vacated by the departure of Mahamadou Diarra to Real Madrid. He helped Lyon win the 2007 and 2008 Ligue one titles, their sixth and seventh consecutive titles respectively.

 

In 2006, Toulalan was part of the France U21s which were eliminated at the semi-final stage against eventual winners the Netherlands in the U21 European Championship held in Portugal. Toulalan plays regularly for France, making 11 appearances in the two years that he has been playing for France. His senior debut came on the 11^th October 2006 against the Faroe Islands. He is seen as the midfield successor to Makelele, but since the experienced Chelsea player will be playing in Euro 2008, Domenech may put Toulalan on the bench. However, we will surely hear more about this young lad in future competitions.

 

[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkHyAtOCS6I]