Eric Abidal turns 30 today, a player with an incredible honours list behind him. He has won 4 leagues, 1 Champions League. 1 Copa del Rey and both the Spanish and European Super Cups.
It was Claude Puel was gave him his first opportunity at Monaco. Jean Michel Aulas then took him to Lyon, where after three years he was considered the best full back in France, winning three League championships and earning a regular place in the national team.
Éric Abidal came to Barcelona in the summer of 2007 as a replacement for Gio Van Bronckhorst, signing for four seasons. He has gone on to win five trophies at the club, and hopefully there are plenty more to come!
Regular spot in first year
Since he started with Frank Rijkaard on the bench, Abidal has shown on the pitch just what a physical presence he has and has come to command the left flank. In his first season he played almost every game, 30 in the League and 10 in the Champions League.
Less fortunate second season
But last season, Abidal suffered a knee injury against Espanyol and was out of action for two months. There was more bad luck on the way. At Stamford Bridge, Tom Henning showed him a red card after an incident with Anelka, and he was suspended for the final in Rome.
And to make matters even worse, against Vila-real at the Camp Nou, Abidal clashed with Nihat in Valdés’ area. A penalty was awarded and he was sent off. He was going to miss the Cup final in Mestalla too!
Nevertheless, Abidal still played 25 league games and five in Europe.
Competition from Maxwell
Sylvinho was Abidal’s main rival for the left back spot in his first two season, while now it will be Maxwell that will be providing competition. At the moment, they are being alternated. The Frenchman played against Sporting Gijón in the League, the European Super Cup in Monaco and the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup against Athletic Club at San Mamés.
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