Keita combines physical strength with technical ability and tactical awareness and also has a wealth of experience as a star player for Mali since 2000.

Making the move to France at an early age, Keita began his career with Marseille, before moving to Lorient and finally realising his potential with Lens. In his four seasons at Lens he rose to captain the side, before eventually leaving for Sevilla in 2007.

In Spain he flourished, picking up the Spanish Super Cup in his first season, and his performances earned him a move to Barcelona after only one year in La Liga. Not a first-choice midfielder at the Nou Camp, his experience and skill makes him an excellent squad player to have.

Strengths: He brings power and tactical awareness from the centre of midfield and his ability to bag goals is a good asset.

Weaknesses: Suffers from lapses in concentration and his passing range is a little limited.

Career high: Keita scored two goals as Mali came from four goals behind in the last 12 minutes to claim a 4-4 draw against Angola in the opening match of the African Nations Cup in 2010.

Career low: Failure to break through at his first club, Marseille, left him wondering if he would ever make the grade.

Style: Powerful, tough, a strong midfielder in the engine room.

Quotes: "If I told you that we believed in such a result at 4-0, I would be lying. We only thought that the draw was a possible outcome at 4-2." Seydou Keita on Mali's incredible turnaround against Angola.

Trivia: Keita is the nephew of former African Footballer of the Year Salif Keita.