The Bagdad club Al Talaba has long been renowned for its ability to develop and nurture young talent. One player to have benefitted from their youth system is Basem Abbas, who over recent years has blossomed into one of Iraq's most dependable defenders.

Born in January 1982, Abbas's playing career is punctuated by three separate stints with Al Talaba. After spending his first four years with ‘the Students' while he honed his craft, he made a high-profile move to Iranian giants Esteghlal in 2004. Within a year though, he had returned to Al Talaba, where played for another season. He then went on to play for three other clubs until his journey came full circle and he began a third spell in 2008.

Along the way, the many clubs that pursued Abbas were drawn to his inspirational play. A technically accomplished defender who can surge powerfully down the flank to create goalscoring opportunities, he is also powerful and uncompromising in the tackle.

Abbas first made his mark on the international scene as a cornerstone of Iraq's defence in their triumphant AFC Youth Championship campaign in 2000. He was also instrumental in his side's semi-final showing at the Olympic Football Tournament Athens 2004, and later went on to play an integral role in Iraq's run to continental glory at the AFC Asian Cup 2007.

Despite the disappointment of missing out on the FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010™, with Iraq failing to progress to Asia's final qualifying round, Abbas will be hopeful of making a major impact at the upcoming FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009.