Valerian Ismael

In June Germany's Bayern Munich signed Valerian Ismael from Werder Bremen in a deal that sent Torsten Frings back to the club where he played from 1996 to 2002.

The 29 year old French defender played his first match ever for Bayern against Borussia Monchengladbach and was unfortunately sent off for 2 yellow cards. Bad start, talented player. Up until the late shirt pull he had played a great game. In any event Bayern managed the win 3-0.

He’d had a spell in England back in 1998 with Crystal Palace when he was signed from his hometown club in Strasbourg for 2.75m pounds. Unfortunately at Crystal Palace he suffered a serious knee injury. It was a short spell in England; they eventually sold the player to Lens.

Actually most Crystal Palace fans think he’s one of the clubs worst ever signings. He’s a late bloomer. At Werder Bremen he was fantastic.

Bayern Munich will defend with England international Owen Hargreaves, Willy Sangol, Lucio, and Ismael supported by Michael Ballack in central defense this season. Ismael’s partner in central defense, Brazilian international Lucio, has the eccentricity of charging forward and exposing the back; otherwise this is a formidable back line.

In addition to trading Frings, Bayern had to pay 6m pounds in cash. It was well worth it; Ismael is well up to the place center-half Robert Kovac left after joining Juventus.