The attack-conscious left back was challenged for his place by the brilliant Gareth Bale during the 2009/10 season but proved himself to be the better defender as Bale was pushed further forwards in the starting line-up.

Formerly with the northern French club Lens, he joined Spurs as a relative unkown for a cool £3.5 million in the summer of 2006. Injuries blighted his progress until he made his mark under manager Harry Redknapp and was voted the club's most improved player for the 2008/09 season.

He initially resisted calls to play for Cameroon, the land of his father. But with France awash with good quality left backs, he ultimately went African, making his debut for them against Guinea in February 2009 and then playing at the 2010 World Cup.

Strengths: Skilful on the ball, he is excellent going forwards and has the pace to recover from mistakes when defending.

Weaknesses: At 5'10" he is not the tallest of defenders and can be beaten in the air. He can also be caught out of position.

Career high: Playing at the 2010 World Cup with Cameroon after being voted Tottenham's 'most improved player'.

Career low: Losing the 2009 Carling Cup final to Manchester United on penalties after playing exceptionally well against Cristiano Ronaldo.

Style: Quick an combative, he likes to get forward and support the attack.

Quotes: "He'll turn up Wednesday and play great, but he won't know we're playing Fulham until someone tells him. That's how he is. He's unreal." Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp.

Trivia: He is the younger brother of fellow professional football player Mathieu Assou-Ekotto.