Rio-Antonio Mavuba

Rio-Antonio Mavuba from Girondins Bordeaux is a 20-year-old midfield stopper similar to Roy Keane or Patrick Vieira. Mavuba is from Angola and is newly naturalized and has already been capped by the French national squad, albeit because of injury and suspensions, but in any event, its quite an achievement to be named to the senior team so young –and with so little experience.

He is being tracked by Barcelona, Manchester United and I heard a rumor that Chelsea is following him as well. Midfield stoppers are in short supply and Mavuba is very reminiscent of a young Claude Makelele.

Expect this kid to make an impact in a major European league in the coming years. A consistent place in the French squad should soon follow as Vieira and Makelele move toward the tail end of their respective international careers and go the way of Desailly.