Position: Defender
Born: 03.08.81
Club: Atletico Madrid

Entering the World Cup appearing to be first choice alongside Carles Puyol in the Spanish line-up, Pablo Ibanez is as solid as they come.

Excellent in the air and surprisingly quick, Pablo will play as the man marker against teams with one up, allowing Puyol to drop off and be the spare man.

At just 24, the Atletico Madrid man can look a little ungainly at times but is a classic central defender and is much happier on the ball than first impressions may suggest.

An excellent season for Atletico - allied to some strong showings for Spain in World Cup qualifying - saw him linked with Manchester United prior to the arrival of Nemanja Vidic and he continues to interest the likes of Liverpool.