Germany: Michael Ballack

A tall, rangy midfielder, he possesses an assured touch and plays much like Liverpool's Dietmar Hamann.

The 25-year-old sprang to prominence whilst at Chemnitzer, attracting the interest of a host of leading German clubs - including Kaiserslautern, who eventually secured his services.

In 1999, he moved to Bayer, where he has continued his development as a player.

Like fellow German midfielder Sebastian Deisler, Ballack has announced that he will be joining Bayern Munich after the World Cup finals.

Along with Deisler Ballack will provide the German midfield with a real cutting edge with his determination to get forward meaning he gets lots of good scoring opportunties.

Scored some vital goals in Germany's qualifying campaign and his dynamic style of play and unique vision makes him a player that has the ability to open up any defence.

One of Rudi Voller's most promising talents he will start every game and will be one player certainly worth keeping an eye out for as he is likely to be involved in most of Germany's attacking moves.

Got a crucial equaliser in the play-off first leg against the Ukraine in Kiev.