Younes Kaboul

Younes Kaboul (born January 4 1986 in France) is a France football (soccer) player of Morocco origin, who plays for Tottenham Hotspur F.C., and the France national under-21 football team. He plays in a central defensive/midfield position. He is regarded as one of the most promising talents in football.

Career

Auxerre

The imposing defender, standing at 190cm tall, began his career at Auxerre and was a regular player for the club by the age of 19. He won the Coupe de France in 2005, as well as having European football experience in the UEFA Cup with Auxerre. He was known to be the 'back bone' for Auxerre, due to his excellent tackling skills, good judgement and strength. He was also known to score a few key goals that clinched wins for Auxerre. While at the club he represented France at under 19 and under 21 level, captaining the Under 21 side on numerous occasions.

In November 2006,Kaboul revealed that he could be interested in a transfer to Rangers F.C., after speaking to France under 21 team-mate and then-Rangers player Jérémy Clément. He was also reported to be attracting interest from A.S. Roma and F.C. Internazionale Milano.

Auxerre rejected offers from Portsmouth and Internazionale, in the January 2007 transfer window. However, Auxerre's resolve was tested when Tottenham Hotspur F.C. began to show their interest at the end of the Premier League 2006-07. On June 19th 2007 the Auxerre president confirmed that Kaboul was in deep discussion with Tottenham and the deal would be completed within a week.

Tottenham Hotspur

After much speculation, Kaboul finally signed for Tottenham Hotspur F.C. on July 5 2007 with press reports suggesting the club fought off competition from A.S. Roma, Chelsea F.C. and Internazionale. The fee remains undisclosed but is believed to have been in the region of £7 million. Kaboul has been tipped as one of the hottest youngsters in Europe. He played his first game for Spurs in a friendly against St Patrick's Athletic F.C. on 12 July, 2007.

Kaboul made his Premiership debut, starting alongside Anthony Gardner in the centre of defence against Sunderland F.C. on the first day of the Premier League 2007-08 and Spurs lost 1-0 to Sunderland. Kaboul then scored his first goal for Tottenham on September 1 2007 against Fulham.