Position: Midfielder
Born: 28.01.80
Club: Gamba Osaka

Japan's back-up defensive midfielder, Yasuhito Endo's consistency earned him a place in the 23-man squad for World Cup 2006 - but his chances of forcing his way into the starting line-up look slim.

Endo has managed to win over 40 caps for the national team, mainly due to Japan's success in exporting its best midfielders. While they are playing in Europe, Endo has filled in ably in the less glamorous friendlies and qualifiers back home, when the best of the J-League residents have been given a platform to shine.

A tidy passer of the ball with a bustling style, Endo was used five times inqualifying and is most likely to be deployed by Zico when Japan are looking to hold onto a favourable scoreline.