Position: Midfielder
Born: 07.10.76
Club: Arsenal

With so many creative players in their side, Brazil need someone to take responsibility for the more mundane side of the game, and that man is Gilberto Silva.

The Arsenal star rarely lets down club or country, and is quietly effective at tidying things up in midfield and providing a screen for the back four.

He has drawn comparisons with erstwhile Highbury team-mate Patrick Vieira, and there are few greater compliments for a tough-tackling midfielder.

In 2002, Gilberto was charged with the daunting role of holding the midfield together while the likes of Rivaldo and Ronaldinho were given licence to express themselves, and he did this job in a quiet and effective manner.

He is always likely to be an unsung member of a team like Brazil and will never dazzle any defence with his ball skills, but he was a vital component of his country's success four years ago, and will again have a crucial part to play this time around.

• Julio Baptista
• 19 Juninho Pernambucano
• 8 Kaka
• 3 Lucio
• 6 Roberto Carlos
• 23 Robinho
• 10 Ronaldinho
• 9 Ronaldo
• Roque Junior
• 11 Ze Roberto