A player whose determination matches his talent, Abubakari Yakubu prefers to play in central defence but is often deployed in a more advanced role.

National team

Yakubu represented Ghana at the FIFA Under-17 World Championship in Egypt in 1997 (losing finals to Brazil) and went on to become a full international.

Club

A member of the Ghapoha team that won the WAFU cup
Spotted by Ajax scouts at that tournament in Egypt, Yakubu made his debut on 19 April 2000 against FC Den Bosch, but the former reserve team captain only went on to make five further first team appearances for the Dutch club.

The following season he put his international commitments with Ghana's Black Stars on the back burner to concentrate on his club commitments and his dedication appears to have paid dividends. He later signing a contract extension until summer 2005. Yakubu was a regular by the 2001/02 season, a campaign which saw Ajax win the Dutch double.

2002/03: Started 13 Eredivisie outings and came off the bench twice in addition to making eight appearances in the UEFA Champions League.

Did you know? Yakubu joined his first team at the age of 16.

Much is expected of Yakubu at Ajax and he was named the hottest prospect in football by World Soccer magazine.

Yakubu signed for Ajax on 18 December 1999. He made his debut in the first team under coach Hans Westerhof. The defensive midfielder played 89 official matches for Ajax. He won the Dutch championship with the club in 2002 and 2004, the Dutch Super Cup (Johan Cruijff Shield) in 2002 and the national cup in 2002. With Ajax, he also won the prestigious Amsterdam Tournament in 2001 and 2003. Yakubu has played for Vitesse from the start of this season on loan. That club now acquires him from Ajax. Yakubu signs for four years in Arnhem