Lassana Diarra

Lassana Diarra or simply Lass, is a French footballer who plays for Anzhi Makhachkala. Though predominantly a defensive midfielder, he can also play in a more advanced role and has played at right back. Lass\'s footballing career began at Le Havre. In July 2005, he transferred to Chelsea\'s first team squad for £1 million. His Chelsea debut came in the UEFA Champions League in October 2005, when he was given a brief run out as a substitute when Chelsea were 4–0 up against Real Betis. He played full Premiership games against Blackburn Rovers, Charlton Athletic, and Middlesbrough, with some success, and also started in Chelsea\'s win over Arsenal in the League Cup Final at the Millennium Stadium. On 31 August 2007, Lass signed for Arsenal for an undisclosed fee. The following year, he signed with Portsmouth and was given his first start against Derby County. On 18 September 2008 he scored Pompey\'s first ever goal in a major European competition against Vitória Guimaraes. On 17 December 2008, Real Madrid bought Lass Diarra from Portsmouth for €20 million. On transfer deadline day, 31 August 2012, Lass joined Anzhi on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee. Lass Diarra won eighteen caps for the France U-21s. Perhaps his most notable performance came in a UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship qualifying match against England in November 2005.