Position: Midfielder
Born: 11.05.84
Club: Barcelona

A European champion at Under-16 and Under-19 level, Andres Iniesta has also captained Spain Under-21s and has long been destined for the senior squad.

Usually deployed on the right by club boss Frank Rijkaard, the 21-year-old is also happy 'in the hole' behind the strikers and was handed the ultimate reward for starring in Barcelona's second successive title success this season - a World Cup call-up.

A wonderful player to watch as he appears to glide around the field with the ball on a string, Iniesta has taken full advantage of the five-month absence of Xavi from the Barca line-up to nail down a starting place and attract national coach Luis Aragones' attention.

Having played alongside Cesc Fabregas in Barcelona's junior sides, Iniesta will have one close ally in the squad this summer - and if they get their chances, their form suggests these two young guns could be among the tournament's brightest stars.