The 'midfield soldier', as he has been dubbed by Twente fans, is being closely watched by several French clubs, and is unlikely to remain in the Dutch top flight after the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.

Yamoussoukro-born Tiote is a rugged, dogged, and impressively consistent defensive midfielder. He broke into the highest level of European football with Roda JC, whilst on loan from Anderlecht at the beginning of the 2007/08 season. He had made his debut at the wealthy Belgian side two seasons earlier, at the age of just 19. Whilst at Anderlecht, he was able to learn and build on his training, and the only scar left by his time in Brussels was a missed penalty in the Belgian Cup, which sent the Belgian giants out against the minnows of Geel.

He was not involved in the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™, then missed out on the Africa Cup of Nations in 2008, but made the squad for Angola 2010. And although the Elephants have not called on his services in the qualifying campaign, South Africa 2010 could be the start of a long and fruitful relationship with the national side.