Christanval has been a towering presence since making his debut for French side Monaco in 1997.

And such was his impact that AC Milan, Inter and Barcelona were all lining up for his signature.

The 23-year-old has since lived up to the interest with a series of mature displays for both Barca and France.

Roger Lemerre has already singled him out as the future of France's central defence and the World Cup could provide the perfect springboard his international career.