Frank Lebouef is an immaculate defender. When he moved from Strasbourg during the summer of 1996, Ruud Gullit claimed that Frank was "an essential part of the jigsaw". During his first season, he has showed great skill and ability up against some of the best strikers in Europe, and has especially adapted well to the physical side of the English game. When Frank joined he stated "I felt it was the right time to come to England... I always wanted to play here and living in London has made it easier for me to settle. At the age of 27, I was ready for the challenge." Frank is a charming character of the field, and a definite key player on it; and he is particlarly known for his long perfect balls out of defense.