Position: Defender
Born: 20.02.75
Club: Messina

Strong and reliable, Rahman Rezaei is seen in some quarters as the best defender to come out of Iran.

Nicknamed 'The Secretary of Defence' and 'The Flying Carpet' (the latter for his ability in the air), the 31-year-old has quickly moved to the brink of the 50-cap mark despite being a late starter at international level, only making his debut in 2000.

Formerly with Perugia, Rezaei now plays for Messina and is hugely popular with the club's supporters, who have given him his somewhat bizarre monikers.

Primarily a right-back with his Italian club, Rezaei plays in central defence for his country and is the sort of player coaches love to have - a '100 per center' who will give nothing but his best from first whistle to last.

• Alireza Vahedi