Position: Midfielder
Born: 27.09.79
Club: Urawa Reds

Some may have considered Shinji Ono to be taking a backward step when he returned home to play for Urawa Reds this season after a catalogue of injury problems at Feyenoord.

Although the odd niggle is still hampering the creative midfielder, he has been able to play enough football in the J-League this season to suggest he could recapture his very best form in Germany this summer.

Some superb goals have helped the Reds to an impressive season so far in 2006, and there has even been talk of a move back to Europe to link up with Shunsuke Nakamura at Celtic.

Still only 26, Ono's European experience could be a key factor for Japan coach Zico as he looks to negotiate a tough group and reach the knock-out stages.