Position: Midfielder
Born: 08.06.84
Club: Corinthians

A supremely talented young player who made his international debut before being named in the River Plate first team, Javier Mascherano is a likely starter in Germany and could emerge as one of the stars of the tournament.

Described by legendary countryman Diego Maradona last year as "a monster of a player and destined for great things", Mascherano has been linked with the likes of Manchester United in recent months as his development into a world-class midfield player continues apace.

After a brilliant Copa America in 2004, his progress was stalled by a broken bone in his left foot but he is now back to full fitness and has been in superb form for both his current club Corinthians and Argentina.

His national coach Jose Pekerman adeptly summed up the youngster thus: "He can tackle, pass and organise. He's definitely a breed apart."