Position: Defender
Born: 01.06.79
Club: Toluca

Mario Mendez has a fight on his hands if he is to be Mexico's first choice right-back in Germany.

The composed defender is aiming to deputise for the disgraced Salvador Carmona this summer following the veteran's one-year ban for failing an anti-doping test.

Mendez has had a patchy season with his club Toluca but whenever Mexico have called upon him he has rarely disappointed.

He featured in four of the Tricolors' Confederations Cup games last year as well as the back end of their successful World Cup qualifying campaign.

Mendez is a quiet performer but despite his calm attitude he has the ability to mark tightly and be strong in the tackle. It isn't often that he is seen waltzing forward to join the attacks but he is one of those reliable components that every side needs.