Senegal: World Cup player by player

Senegal make their World Cup debut and take on France in Seoul today with 22 players in their 23-man squad drawn from the French first division.

GOALKEEPERS

TONY SYLVA

He was excellent in the African Nations Cup run to the final and he is now the first choice for coach Bruno Metsu. He has made an impression for the Senegal team after years of obscurity at Monaco. He has played less than twenty times for the French club in eight seasons and then was ignored for two years after making his 1999 debut. His chance has now come and he is a good shot-stopper and very capable in possession.

OUMAR DIALLO

The only player in the Senegal squad not to play in French club football, Diallo is no longer first choice but has performed well for the Senegal team in the past. Slightly better and claiming crosses that Sylva who is now ahead of him in rank.

KALIDOU CISSOKHO

Young player from the second division in France who has been preferred to Samuel Monin as third choice. He has yet to attract major interest from other clubs after a reasonable season with Jeanne d'Arc.

DEFENDERS

OMAR DAFF

An excellent left-back who can attack very well. Fast and determined tackler whose mobility can often start attacks although his main duties are defensive. The first choice on the left of the defence for coach Metsu.

LAMINA DIATTA

Centre back who has just finished his third season at Rennes where he is a consistent defender. Quick and a good tackler he is also powerful in the air and can threaten at corners and free kicks.

FERDINAND COLY

Coly was part of the Lens team which romped to a big lead in the French first division this season before blowing the title at home to Lyon on the last day of the season. That trauma may have knocked his confidence but he is the first choice right back and a very talented defender for the Senegal side.

ALIOU CISSE

The captain and main central defender whose physical style may lead to problems in the finals. He can rush tackles and is a very physical marker of attackers but is highly-rated for his commanding presence and clearances.

HABIB BEYE

Not a first choice unless Senegal start with five defenders, Beye helped Strasbourg to the French Cup last year and can be used to stand-in at centre back or on the wings.

PAPE MALICK DIOP

Former Senegal captain and midfielder, Diop can play as a sweeper or as a more orthodox centre back and is a good passer of the ball who can link play well.

ALASSANE NDOUR

A midfielder with Lorient, Ndour is used as defensive cover in the current Senegal squad. Hard-runner who can tackle and fetch the ball to help others and is one of the better young Senegal players currently emerging at French clubs.

KHALILIOU FADIGA

Almost claimed Belgian nationality through marriage and plays in midfield for Guy Roux's excellent Auxerre side. A classy technician who is used across the defence as a first choice by Metsu who valued his technical team play.

MIDFIELDERS

PAPE SARR

Midfield tackler who almost helped Lens to win the French title where he plays as a defender. His aggressive tackling can cause problems but his hard work means he is often a first choice for Metsu in midfield where he helps the creative players.

SALIF DIAO

Former Monaco player who combines well with the rest of the Senegal midfield. All-round game bt his main strength is to run around the pitch winning tackles before settling up play with neat passing.

MOUSSA NDIAYE

A Sedan striker who plays in a more withdrawn role for Senegal. He is a mobile player with a good shot in either foot but relies on greater quality around him for his game to be truly effective.

AMDY MUSTAPHA FAYE

A product of the exceptional Auxerre youth system, Faye is anew addition to the Senegal squad and not a certain starter as an attacking midfielder.

PAPE BOUBA DIOP

Very tall and powerful midfielder who mixes it with the opposition in midfield to good effect. Only introduced into the national set-up last year by Metsu and he has already scored goals from midfield with his well-timed runs and heading ability.

MAKHTAR NDIAYE

Only came into the first team at last February's African Nations Cup, Ndiaye has had a good season with Rennes and his wide midfield play could see him start games at the finals.

SYLVAIN NDIAYE

Persuaded by Metu to represent the land of his grandfather, N'Diaye has Champions League experience with Lille and has two great seasons in France with the tiny club. The team's loudmouth on the field who will clash with referees but this could held rather than hinder at times in the finals. He can be a clumsy tackler.

STRIKERS

EL HADJ DIOUF

An excellent finisher who is certainly in the shop window. The trek to see Diouf at Lens has been made regularly by scouts for the past year but the big-money offers are waiting to see his form in a World Cup finals. Nervy and excitable technique masks an ability to improvise and beat defenders to find the target. The main source of goals for Metsu's team and a potential star of June.

HENRI CAMARA

Winger who is often inconsistent at crossing which means he is a problem for Senegal's attacks. Skilful at beating defenders, Camara won the Swiss title with Xamac last year before a move to Sedan and his form may be too wayward to make a real impression on the finals.

PAPE THIAW

Good scoring record alongside Diouf with his partner taking the acclaim. Thaw is reasonable in the air and can lead the line well and hold the ball up for others to join an attack. He shoots hastily sometimes but can pass well.

AMARE TRAORE

Veteran leader of the team at 37 and the most respected footballer of his generation for Senegal. Traore has kept his career going very well but is only set for a bit-part role over the coming weeks. Tricky runner with several tricks but his time may have passed some time ago.

SOULEYMANE CAMARA

19 year old striker who is an interesting option for Metsu. Quick but not a certain finisher and he has been present in the Monaco team during as very problematic season for the French side under coach Didier Deschamps who uses him sparingly.