France 
The left-back was a key player for France in their qualification campaign, featuring for Raymond Domenech's side in all but one of their matches on their way to Austria and Switzerland.
He has already shown his pedigree at international level after impressing in the 2006 World Cup as he played every minute of the tournament, bar Les Bleus' clash in the group stage with Togo after picking up a suspension, as France drove all the way to their infamous defeat in the final to Italy.
However, despite his success at full-back, Abidal believes that his best position is in the centre of defence as he is best able to utilise his explosive pace in that role.
After becoming a triple winner of Ligue 1 with Lyon, the former Monaco man made the move to Barcelona in the summer of 2007 and already he has impressed in Spain for his new side.
A reflection of Abidal's value to France is the quality of his deputy for the national team with Manchester United full-back Patrice Evra currently unable to work his way into Domenech's side.
