Position: Midfielder
Born: 18.09.79
Club: West Brom

Still surviving in the English Premiership after five years, Junichi Inamoto has matured into a tigerish central midfielder whom Japan will surely rely on in Germany.

His arrival at Arsenal in 2001 from Gamba Osaka was met with curiosity in north London, more so because of the media entourage which pursued the then 22-year-old. There was no future for him at Highbury but he ably demonstrated the benefits of training under Arsene Wenger as hosts Japan impressed on the way to the last 16 in 2002.

That prompted Fulham and then West Brom to employ Inamoto's services and he showed true resilience last season having broken his leg in a friendly against England. He was forced to go out on loan to Cardiff to rediscover his form and fitness, and at one stage seemed unwanted by Bryan Robson.

But Inamoto knuckled down, won back his place at The Hawthorns and got his career back on track.

Now 27, his blend of skill and steel will be vital for Zico's Blues at World Cup 2006.