Player Profile : Emmanuel Eboue

Emmanuel Eboué was born June 4, 1983 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. His first team were the Ivorian ASEC Abidjan, before he moved to K.S.K. Beveren in September 2002. He was a regular in the Bereven team and played around 65 games for the team.

He attracted interest, and eventually was signed by Arsenal, who purchased him on January 1, 2005, on a four-year contract for £1.54 million.

He predominantly plays at right fullback, but can also play as a centre back and even a defensive midfielder.

His debut came only days after signing from Beveren, in the FA Cup against Stoke City. Although, at first, not a regular first team player; Eboué’s strong reserve performances stood him in good stead for future first team chances. He scored his first goal for Arsenal in the club’s 3-0 League Cup Third Round victory over Sunderland, on October 25, 2005.

In early 2006 he performed very well at the African Cup of Nations as the Ivory Coast’s first-choice right back.

As soon as he returned to Arsenal he was immediately sent into action (making his first career Premiership start) at right back against Liverpool FC to replace the injured Lauren who is out for the rest of the season.

He received praise from all quarters for a dominating performance against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, first leg (he prevented players like Roberto Carlos and Zinedine Zidane from having any great influence on the match proceedings).

Emmanuel Eboue is a strong and athletic and his forward runs into the opposition area suits Arsenal and Cote d’Ivoire style of play.

Emmanuel Eboue’s is one of the key players in the Ivorian team and his link up play with fellow compatriot Kolo Toure at Arsenal is expected to continue when the World Cup starts in June.