Position: Defender
Born: 22.06.82
Club: Al Ittihad

A technically assured, footballing centre-half, Hamad Al-Montashari is the rising star of Saudi Arabian football.

He recently followed the likes of Hidetoshi Nakata by being named Asia's Footballer of the Year, and at just 23 years old, his best years should be ahead of him.

A key part of Al Ittihad's two-time AFC Champions League success, Al-Montashari has even captained the national side in some qualification games, an indication of the high regard in which he's held.

A tall, aggressive defender, he could well show his potential on the game's biggest stage this summer - although still prone to the odd defensive lapse he is undoubtedly one to watch in a team destined to struggle.