Position: Defender/Midfielder
Born: 30.03.80
Club: Cruz Azul

Ricardo Osorio is one of Mexico's many talented individuals but must fight every step of the way to Germany if he wants to retain his starting berth.

Blessed with genuine pace and astute tactical awareness, Osorio is a tenacious ball-winner and has been a vital member of the Cruz Azul side since making his club debut in 2002.

Osorio was first given the nod by Mexico coach Ricardo Lavolpe in a clash with Brazil in 2003 and has one international goal to his name when he netted in the 2-2 draw against Uruguay in the 2004 Copa America.

The versatile Mexican has the technical ability to play predominantly in defensive midfield but also as an effective wing-back.

Osorio is competing with Francisco Rodriguez and Salvador Carmona for a place in the starting line-up this summer but on current form he is ahead of the pecking order.

He played eight games in Mexico's World Cup qualifying campaign and all five of their run to the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup last summer.