Position: Midfielder
Born: 28.01.81
Club: Bayer Leverkusen

A pacy left winger, Marko Babic has gone from being used sparingly to an integral part of the national squad in the two years since Euro 2004.

Nine appearances in the World Cup qualifying campaign are evidence of that, with Babic and fellow wideman Darijo Srna vitally important components in coach Zlatko Kranjcar's favoured 3-5-2 formation.

Recruited as a teenager from NK Osijek in his homeland along with international team-mate Jurica Vranjes, he has developed into an important member of the Bayer Leverkusen squad, earning Champions League experience along the way including a fleeting appearance in the 2002 final.

Bayer have endured mixed fortunes since but Babic has continued to grow in stature both in the Bundesliga and for his country.

Strong and industrious, the 25-year-old could well be a barometer for Croatia's chances in Germany - if he plays well, the team generally does.