Position: Midfielder

Born: 01.09.77

Club: Valencia

An uncompromising midfielder, David Albelda is normally fielded alongside Ruben Baraja in a fearsome midfield partnership for both Valencia and Spain.

Tenacious and committed, Albelda has enjoyed a successful career at Valencia, winning two La Liga titles and the UEFA Cup during his time at the Mestalla.

Albelda burst onto the scene in Los Che's 2001/2002 title-winning season, immediately forming a partnership with Baraja that La Liga's leading stars would come to dread.

His whole-hearted displays earned him a first Spain cap and Albelda was consquently included in the squad for the 2002 World Cup.

Albelda was also part of Spain's disastrous Euro 2004 campaign which saw them knocked out at the group stages.

The 28-year-old's physical approach make him an excellent man-marker with his ruthlessness in possession a valuable asset to club and country.

With Xavi expected to miss the 2006 World Cup through injury, Albelda is certain to be an important part of Spain's squad.