Position: Defender
Born: 16.02.85
Club: Feyenoord

Ron Vlaar's rapid rise into Holland's national set-up has been nothing short of staggering, but it's doubtful whether he'll be given a role to shine on the biggest stage of all.

The defender only made his debut for AZ Alkmaar in April last year but just two months later Marco van Basten called him up for the vital World Cup qualifier against Romania, ignoring claims that it was ludicrously early to consider him at international level.

Vlaar did not manage to play a part in that game but he did feature in the 2-0 victory over Czech Republic, where Holland clinched their passport to Germany 2006.

With his precocious talents sparking interest from bigger clubs, the 21-year-old decided against signing a professional contract at AZ and instead moved to Feyenoord, who beat off competition from Ajax and Tottenham.

Vlaar may be vastly inexperienced but he's taken advantage of van Basten's policy to blood youngsters at the earliest opportunity.