Position: Forward
Born: 05.02.82
Club: Boca Juniors

A major force in helping Boca Juniors wrap up a second successive title, Rodrigo Palacio's international career is still very much in its infancy.

He only broke into the senior squad in March last year and managed just six minutes' action as Argentina booked yet another Finals appearance this summer.

But the 24-year-old's rise to prominence at club level has been so rapid it wouldn't be a surprise if he was to make an impact, in all likelihood from the bench, in Germany.

Just four years ago Palacio was playing for Bella Vista in the Argentine fourth division but successful spells at Huracan and Banfield earnt him his move to Boca, where he was to catch national coach Jose Pekerman's attention.

By his own admission not a natural goalscorer, Palacio is a good finisher inside the area and also brings so much more to a team with his work outside the box, often drifting out to the flanks a la Thierry Henry with the same devastating effect.