No. 50 Giorgio Chiellini (Italy)
Position: Center Back
Club: Juventus
Previous World Cup Experience: None
The next big defender for the Italian National Team, Giorgio Chiellini will be a starter on the Italian National Team during this World Cup at the ripe young age of 25. And now with the aging Italian defense, Chiellini will become one of the best defenders in the world as he matures.
No. 49 Yaya Toure (Ivory Coast)
Position: Midfielder
Club: Barcelona
Previous World Cup Experience: 2006 (Three Matches, No Goals)
One of the most recognizable faces on the Ivory Coast squad in this World Cup, Yaya Toure has been a major force for the Ivory Coast and is one of the best defensive midfielders in the world.
If the Ivory Coast are to make a deep run in the World Cup, they will need Toure to have a great World Cup.
No. 48 Nicolas Anelka (France)
Position: Striker
Club: Chelsea
Previous World Cup Experience: None
One of the newer faces on the French squad, Nicolas Anelka will finally get a chance to play in the World Cup this year as France look to once again make a deep run.
During his international career, Anelka started off as a player that was expected to become the next big thing, but rarely got any international duty due to his constant movement between clubs. But now with Chelsea, Anelka has earned his spot under Raymond Domenech.
No. 47 Tim Cahill (Australia)
Position: Midfielder
Club: Everton
Previous World Cup Experience: 2006 (Four Matches, Two Goals).
The first ever World Cup goalscorer in Australian history, Tim Cahill has proven himself to be a true leader for Australia going into this World Cup.
For Cahill, he will need to truly step up his play once again if the Socceroos are to once again advance from a difficult group consisting of Germany, Ghana and Serbia.
No. 46 Yoann Gourcuff (France)
Position: Midfielder
Club: Bordeaux
Previous World Cup Experience: None
Considered to be the answer to Zinedine Zidane, Yoann Gourcuff is one of the rising stars in football and has played great in the last several years for Bordeaux.
In this World Cup, the chance for France to ultimately advance could come down to how well Gourcuff plays, but as long as he plays as well as he did with Bordeaux over the last several years, he will do fine.
No. 45 Phillipp Lahm (Germany)
Position: Defender
Club: Bayern Munich
Previous World Cup Experience: 2006 (Seven Matches, One Goal)
One of the best defenders not only in German history but in international football today, Phillipp Lahm has once again proven how effective he could be with his great recent form for Bayern Munich with the World Cup approaching.
As long as he continues to get involved with the German attack, Germany will once again make a deep run in the World Cup.
No. 44 Daniele De Rossi (Italy)
Position: Midfielder
Club: AS Roma
Previous World Cup Experience: 2006 (Three Matches, No Goals)
One of the key cogs on the Italian side that won the 2006 World Cup, Daniele De Rossi will look to build off his great form at the end of the last World Cup in South Africa.
As long as De Rossi has a superb World Cup, it will take an incredible effort to eliminate Italy as they look for their fifth World Cup.
No. 43 Marek Hamsik (Slovakia)
Position: Midfielder
Club: Napoli
Previous World Cup Experience: None
Another emerging young star in this World Cup, Marek Hamsik has been a major key for Slovakia as they have been able to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in their history.
A strong box-to-box midfielder, Hamsik will look to continue his great play in the World Cup as he develops into a future star.
No. 42 Gerard Pique (Spain)
Position: Center Back
Club: FC Barcelona
Previous World Cup Experience: None
Even though he received his first cap in February of 2009, Gerard Pique has emerged as one of the best defenders on the planet going into this World Cup.
Pique is a player that loves to move ahead in the attack and score goals (which has been a real benefit for Barcelona since he returned from Manchester United in the summer of 2008).
No. 41 Ashley Cole (England)
Position: Left Back
Club: Chelsea
Previous World Cup Experience: 2002 (Five Matches, No Goals) 2006 (Five Matches, No Goals).
The long-time starting left back for England, Ashley Cole will be starting for England once again in this World Cup after getting injured in a Premier League match against Everton back in February. A very reliable left back, Cole had a solid World Cup in 2006 as he looks to build on it in South Africa.
No. 40 Patrice Evra (France)
Position: Left Back
Club: Manchester United
Previous World Cup Experience: None
A player that has quietly emerged as one of the best left backs in the world during the last several years, Patrice Evra will try to carry over his success with Manchester United to the French National Team for this World Cup. If he could get himself involved with the French attack, France could go far in the World Cup.
No. 39 Carles Puyol (Spain)
Position: Defender
Club: FC Barcelona
Previous World Cup Experience: 2002 (Four Matches, No Goals), 2006 (Three Matches, No Goals).
The longtime captain of FC Barcelona, Carles Puyol has also been an incredible defender for Spain as he will help Spain try to win their first World Cup.
During his career, Puyol has been a mainstay on the Spanish defense and was named to the Team of the Tournament for Euro 2008 and the 2009 Confederations Cup.
No. 38 Javier Mascherano (Argentina)
Position: Midfielder
Club: Liverpool
Previous World Cup Experience: 2006 (Five Matches, No Goals)
The captain of Argentina, Javier Mascherano has been a player that has earned lots of praise from manager Diego Maradona going into this World Cup.
Even though he will be only 26 at the World Cup, Mascherano has been a player that will be a major force for Argentina as they look to win the World Cup for the third time in their history.
No. 37 John Terry (England)
Position: Center Back
Club: Chelsea
Previous World Cup Experience: 2006 (Five Matches, No Goals)
The former captain of England before his sex scandal in late January, John Terry is still one of the best center backs in the world. He has also been a great defender over the years for Chelsea and his presence will be important for England in this World Cup.
No. 36 Sergio Aguero (Argentina)
Position: Striker
Club: Atletico Madrid
Previous World Cup Experience: None
The father-in-law of manager Diego Maradona, Sergio Aguero has become a young player with tons of ability should he get playing time from Maradona in this World Cup.
Should Aguero get a hot streak during the World Cup, Argentina could find themselves in the final due to Aguero's ability.
No. 35 David Silva (Spain)
Position: Midfielder
Club: Valencia
Previous World Cup Experience: None
Considered to be the person that makes everything work for Spain, David Silva will go into this World Cup trying to continue his great play. If Silva could continue to keep up his great form, Spain could find themselves ultimately lifting up the World Cup trophy in Soccer City on July 11.
No. 34 Michael Ballack (Germany)
Position: Midfielder
Club: Chelsea
Previous World Cup Experience: 2002 (Six Matches, Three Goals), 2006 (Five Matches, Zero Goals.
The captain of the German national team, Michael Ballack has been one great player for Germany throughout his career as they have been able to make a World Cup final and a European Championship final with him.
Even though he does not score as much as he used to, he still is important for Germany as they look to win their fourth World Cup.
No. 33 Thierry Henry (France)
Position: Striker
Club: FC Barcelona
Previous World Cup Experience: 1998 (Six Matches, Three Goals), 2002 (Two Matches, Zero Goals), 2006 (Seven Matches, Three Goals).
The man whose hands were responsible for France even getting into the World Cup, Thierry Henry still has been one of the greatest finishers of his era as he will lead France into his fourth World Cup overall.
Even though it appears that Henry's time in Europe might be hitting an end, he is still a valuable member of any team, and France will need him if they are to make another run in this World Cup.
No. 32 Lucio (Brazil)
Position: Center Back
Club: Inter Milan
Previous World Cup Experience: 2002 (Seven Matches, Zero Goals), 2006 (Five Matches, Zero Goals).
The man who possesses the all time World Cup record for consecutive minutes without a foul with 386 minutes, Lucio (who also is the captain of the Brazilian national team) will need to continue his great play if Brazil are to win another World Cup.
Lucio also scored the winning goal in Brazil's 3-2 Confederations Cup final win over the United States.
No. 31 Diego Forlan (Uruguay)
Position: Striker
Club: Atletico Madrid
Previous World Cup Experience: 2002 (One Match, One Goal).
The undisputed leader of the Uruguayan national team, Diego Forlan also is a player that will be instrumental if Uruguay are to advance out of Group A.
During his career, Forlan was a flop with Manchester United before finding his scoring touch in Spain, where he has been since he left Man United in 2004.
No. 30 Gonzalo Higuain (Argentina)
Position: Striker
Club: Real Madrid
Previous World Cup Experience: None
Even though he was French-born, Gonzalo Higuain decided to play for Argentina and will see a World Cup less than a year after his first appearance for the Albiceleste.
If Higuain can find his fantastic form with Real Madrid in South Africa, Argentina could find themselves in the final.
No. 29 Julio Cesar (Brazil)
Position: Goalkeeper
Club: Inter Milan
Previous World Cup Experience: None
The winner of four straight Serie A titles with Inter Milan, Julio Cesar will look to carry over that success into the World Cup. With a world class keeper in Cesar in the net for the Brazilians, they certainly will be hard to beat as Cesar plays in his first World Cup.
No. 28 Miroslav Klose (Germany)
Position: Striker
Club: Bayern Munich
Previous World Cup Experience: 2002 (Seven Matches, Five Goals), 2006 (Seven Matches, Five Goals).
The only player to score five goals in consecutive World Cups, Miroslav Klose will once again look to score plenty of goals in his third World Cup in South Africa.
Overall, Klose is a player that is great in the air, and if the German wingers can find Klose, Germany will go far in this World Cup.
No. 27 Robinho (Brazil)
Position: Striker
Club: Santos
Previous World Cup Experience: None
Once considered to be the next Pele from Pele himself, Robinho will look to play up to his full potential in the World Cup. Overall, Robinho can get too much hype (look what it got him with Manchester City), but hopefully that will not happen in South Africa.
No. 26 Frank Lampard (England)
Position: Midfielder
Club: Chelsea
Previous World Cup Experience: 2006 (Five Matches, Zero Goals).
The player with highest IQ going into this World Cup, Frank Lampard will look to use his smarts to help England win their second World Cup. If Lampard is able to convert his shots (especially penalties) for England like he does for Chelsea, England could make the final.
No. 25 Maicon (Brazil)
Position: Right Back
Club: Inter Milan
Previous World Cup Experience: None
Probably the most well-rounded fullback in the world, Maicon has admirably replaced Cafu as the starting right back for Brazil. Overall, Maicon is an extremely strong and reliable defender for Brazil, and his impact could prove to be extremely influential for Brazil if they are to win the World Cup again.
No. 24 Nemanja Vidic (Serbia)
Position: Center Back
Club: Manchester United
Previous World Cup Experience: None
After missing the 2006 World Cup due to injury, Nemanja Vidic will head into this World Cup trying to recapture his Manchester United success for Serbia in their first World Cup. And Vidic will have to get Serbia to play better than they did in 2006 as Serbia and Montenegro (which finished last overall).
No. 23 Andrea Pirlo (Italy)
Position: Midfielder
Club: AC Milan
Previous World Cup Experience: 2006 (Seven Matches, One Goal).
One of the key players that helped lead Italy to the 2006 World Cup title, Andrea Pirlo and his play-making abilities will once again make an appearance in the 2010 World Cup.
Overall, Pirlo is one of the best play-makers in this World Cup and with his great ability on set pieces, the Azzurri will once again like their chances in this World Cup.
No. 22 Dani Alves (Brazil)
Position: Right Back
Club: FC Barcelona
Previous World Cup Experience: None
One of the key members to Barcelona' sextuple last season, Dani Alves will head into this World Cup as one of the finest defenders in the world.
Currently, he still is not the first choice at right back for Dunga, but he will certainly find a starting spot for Brazil in the World Cup.
No. 21 Robin van Persie (Netherlands)
Position: Striker
Club: Arsenal
Previous World Cup Experience: 2006 (Four Matches, One Goal)
Even though he had a major leg break in a friendly against Italy last year, Robin van Persie will be back for the World Cup as the Dutch look to finally win the World Cup title. In this World Cup, it will instrumental for van Persie to not suffer any more injuries, but also van Persie will need his scoring touch to be spot on throughout the World Cup.
No. 20 Cesc Fabregas (Spain)
Position: Midfielder
Club: Arsenal
Previous World Cup Experience: 2006 (Four Matches, Zero Goals).
The captain of Arsenal, Cesc Fabregas still cannot find himself as a bona fide starter for Spain as he is still behind Xavi and Andres Iniesta, but is still one of the best players at the World Cup.
Going into the World Cup, Fabregas is in a fitness race against time to be prepared, but he is probably the best substitute at this World Cup.
No. 19 Carlos Tevez (Argentina)
Position: Striker
Club: Manchester City
Previous World Cup Experience: 2006 (Four Matches, One Goal).
An major source of energy for Argentina, Carlos Tevez is a player that will not stop at all for Argentina in this World Cup as he looks to carry over his great Premier League form to South Africa.
Overall, Tevez has moved forward as a player after leaving Manchester United for Manchester City, and according to manager Roberto Mancini, "he will be the best player in the world."
No. 18 Steven Gerrard (England)
Position: Midfielder
Club: Liverpool
Previous World Cup Experience: 2006 (Five Matches, Two Goals).
One of the greatest players in the history of Liverpool, Steven Gerrard has also been a valuable asset to the English national team over the years.
Gerrard is also known for being an extremely clutch player and a great leader, both of which England will need if they are to make the final in the World Cup.
No. 17 Iker Casillas (Spain)
Position: Goalkeeper
Club: Real Madrid
Previous World Cup Experience: 2002 (Five Matches, One Clean Sheet), 2006 (Three Matches, One Clean Sheet).
The captain of Real Madrid and Spain, Iker Casillas is considered by many to be the best goalkeeper in the world, and is the final line of defense for a Spanish side that is favored to win the World Cup.
Overall, Casillas is an extremely reliable keeper and could be the main reason why Spain could win their first World Cup.
No. 16 Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon)
Position: Striker
Club: Inter Milan
Previous World Cup Experience: 1998 (One Match, Zero Goals), 2002 (Three Matches, One Goal).
One of the greatest African footballers of all time, Samuel Eto'o is only 28 years old and will be competing in his third World Cup.
Overall, Eto'o is one of the world's finest goalscorers, and as the captain of Cameroon, it will be up to Eto'o to get Cameroon out of the group stage for the first time since 1990.
No. 15 Franck Ribery (France)
Position: Winger
Club: Bayern Munich
Previous World Cup Experience: 2006 (Seven Matches, One Goal).
An extremely surprising selection to the French World Cup roster in 2006, Franck Ribery will be the best French player in this World Cup as the French look to once again make the World Cup final.
Overall, Ribery is a player with a fantastic work rate and was once considered to be the replacement for Zinedine Zidane after his retirement.
No. 14 Michael Essien (Ghana)
Position: Midfielder
Club: Chelsea
Previous World Cup Experience: 2006 (Three Matches, Zero Goals).
One of the best midfielders on the planet, Michael Essien will look to build on Ghana's trip to the Round of 16 in 2006 during this World Cup.
Overall, Essien is a player that could take over any match that he plays in, and Essien truly is the best defensive midfielder in the world today.
No. 13 Gianluigi Buffon (Italy)
Position: Goalkeeper
Club: Juventus
Previous World Cup Experience: 2002 (Four Matches, One Clean Sheet), 2006 (Seven Matches, Five Clean Sheets).
After allowing only two goals in the 2006 World Cup, Gianluigi Buffon will return for Italy as their starter in this World Cup as the Azzurri look to win consecutive World Cup titles.
Overall, Buffon has been the best goalkeeper in the world over the last decade, and he will look to continue to dominate at this World Cup.
No. 12 Luis Fabiano (Brazil)
Position: Striker
Club: Sevilla
Previous World Cup Experience: None
One of the best finishers in football, Luis Fabiano will head into this World Cup as Brazil's top striker. Overall as a player, Fabiano can score many goals, but they usually come in bunches. But of course if Fabiano gets hot, no one will be able to stop the Brazilians.
No. 11 Andres Iniesta (Spain)
Position: Midfielder
Club: FC Barcelona
Previous World Cup Experience: 2006 (One Match, Zero Goals).
Once called "the best player in the world" by Wayne Rooney, Andres Iniesta is a major player for the Spanish National Team.
Despite having injury problems such as the thigh injury that made him miss the Confederations Cup last June, but he still is one player that Spain must have in the World Cup.
No. 10 Arjen Robben (Netherlands)
Position: Midfielder
Club: Bayern Munich
Previous World Cup Experience: 2006 (Three Matches, One Goal).
The spark plug behind the Dutch attack, Arjen Robben has been a player that has been able to have success with clubs such as PSV, Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich. During this World Cup, Robben will look to make a major impact once again for the Dutch, as they look to win their first World Cup.
No. 9 David Villa (Spain)
Position: Striker
Club: Valencia
Previous World Cup Experience: 2006 (Four Matches, Three Goals).
Arguably the purest goalscorer in the history of the Spanish national team, David Villa will look to have his scoring exploits expand in South Africa for this World Cup.
Overall, Villa is a player that will make the most of his chances, and will need to continue that scoring touch if Spain are to win the World Cup.
No. 8 Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands)
Position: Midfielder
Club: Inter Milan
Previous World Cup Experience: 2006 (Four Matches, Zero Goals).
An extremely talented player that is considered to be a cancer for the Dutch dressing room, Wesley Sneijder could be the player that ultimately decides if the Dutch will win the World Cup.
The best part of Sneijder's game is that he is a fantastic long range passer and shooter of the football, both of which will be extremely important for the Netherlands to succeed.
No. 7 Fernando Torres (Spain)
Position: Striker
Club: Liverpool
Previous World Cup Experience: 2006 (Four Matches, Three Goals).
Another incredible finisher for Spain alongside David Villa, Fernando Torres is one of the best strikers on the planet.
Torres has been a player that has scored tons of goals everywhere he has gone, and as long as he remains healthy going into the World Cup and during the World Cup, Spain will be able to go extremely far.
No. 6 Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast)
Position: Striker
Club: Chelsea
Previous World Cup Experience: 2006 (Two Matches, One Goal).
The man that once helped end a Civil War in the Ivory Coast, Didier Drogba has excelled during his time for Chelsea, and hopes that it will extend into this World Cup.
Overall, Drogba could be at times a player that could be impossible to play against when he is at his best, but he has to make sure that he keeps his anger in check.
No. 5 Xavi (Spain)
Position: Midfielder
Club: FC Barcelona
Previous World Cup Experience: 2002 (Three Matches, Zero Goals), 2006 (Four Matches, Zero Goals).
Arguably the best midfielder in the world and the Player of the Tournament of Euro 2008, Xavi is the glue that holds Spain together at midfield.
Overall, Xavi is able to effectively control the entire Spanish attack and could be the reason why Spain could win this World Cup.
No. 4 Kaka (Brazil)
Position: Midfielder
Club: Real Madrid
Previous World Cup Experience: 2002 (One Match, Zero Goals), 2006 (Five Matches, One Goal).
An incredibly talented playmaker and the best player on Brazil's roster, Kaka will once again look to shine in this World Cup. The one potential problem that Kaka faces going into this World Cup is his recent injuries while at Real Madrid, but when he is healthy, Brazil are nearly unstoppable.
No. 3 Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
Position: Winger
Club: Real Madrid
Previous World Cup Experience: 2006 (Six Matches, One Goal).
The winner of the FIFA World Player of the Year and Ballon D'Or in 2008, Cristiano Ronaldo is also the captain of a Portugese side that is looking to win the World Cup after finishing fourth in 2006.
As a player, Ronaldo is extremely talented, as he is deadly from long range on free kicks and can score from pretty much anywhere on the field.
No. 2 Wayne Rooney (England)
Position: Striker
Club: Manchester United
Previous World Cup Experience: 2006 (Four Matches, Zero Goals).
After getting sent off against Portugal in the 2006 World Cup quarterfinal, Wayne Rooney will return to this World Cup as one of the best players in the world as England look to end their 34-year skid of not winning the World Cup.
As a player, Rooney could take over any match and has tremendously improved his skills after Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United for Real Madrid last summer.
No. 1 Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Position: Winger
Club: FC Barcelona
Previous World Cup Experience: 2006 (Three Matches, One Goal).
Considered by many to be the best player in the world today, Lionel Messi finds himself with the opportunity to become an all-time legend if he is able to win this World Cup at the young age of 23 (which he turns on June 24).
As a player, no one in the world cuts as well as Messi does, and as long as Messi is used properly by Diego Maradona in this World Cup, Messi could truly become a legend.
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