Djamel Mesbah

CURRENT CLUB: Livorno (Italy)

Djamel Mesbah is a versatile defender who joined the Algerian national team right before the 2010 World Cup. An offensive left back, Mesbah can also play in the midfield as he did a few times in Serie A.

ALGERIAN NATIONAL TEAM

Called up by Rabah Saadane during the 2010 World Cup preliminary camp, he made the 23-man squad for South Africa. He came on as a substitute in the 0-0 draw against England. With 25 caps entering May, his lack of playing time in Serie A makes him a likely candidate to lose his starting job to Ghoulam in Brazil 2014.

CLUB CAREER

Early in his career, Mesbah played in Switzerland for various clubs. He established himself in Serie A and B with AS Lecce for which he played 82 games and scored 6 goals. His subsequent stints at Parma and AC Milan were unsuccessful and he joined Livorno in the search for more playing time.