Position: Defender
Born: 05.11.80
Club: Borussia Dortmund

Christoph Metzelder has become an integral member of Germany's backbone since being thrown in at the international deep end four years ago.

At World Cup 2002, his country were forced to play the defender after injuries to Jens Nowotny and Christian Worns, but they were not missed as Metzelder had an outstanding tournament.

Having won the Bundesliga title with Dortmund that year he showed great maturity in the German defence that conceded to only two teams in their voyage to the final, where they lost to Brazil.

Churchgoer Metzelder can play at either left-back or in the centre and combines a level head with pace, power and aerial strength. Being completely two footed also helps him out in tight situations.

Since his performances in Korea and Japan, Metzelder's experience has grown for both club and country, and has the all the attributes a manager would want in a defender.

• 20 Lukas Podolski
• 19 Bernd Schneider
• Christian Schulz
• 7 Bastian Schweinsteiger
• Christian Worns