Position: Forward
Born: 28.11.83
Club: Werder Bremen

Nelson Haedo Valdez is one of Paraguay's hottest strikers and after a meteoric rise to the top is ready to send shockwaves through the World Cup.

Although the Werder Bremen frontman could pose one of the biggest threats to England when the sides meet in the group stage, it was not long ago when Haedo Valdez was merely a young dreamer.

The 22-year-old striker was still playing amateur football in his homeland for Atletico Tembetary just five years ago but in 2002 German side Werder Bremen snapped up the Paraguayan prodigy.

Haedo Valdez's first-team opportunity came by the end of the season but the following year he fulfilled his early promise and his five goals in 23 games helped Bremen win the Bundesliga and the German Cup.

His terrifying pace, abundance of skill and eye for goal along with his imposing height helped Haedo Valdez make his international breakthrough in November 2003 for the World Youth Championship in Paraguay's run to the last 16, where they eventually lost to Spain.

After knocking on the door for a place in Paraguay's senior squad, the young hitman was called up by Carlos Jara for the 2004 Copa America in Peru where he started three games and despite not managing a goal, he played a significant part in their qualification from the group stage.

His performances sparked a public plea for inclusion in the South American World Cup qualifiers and eventually new coach Anibal Ruiz selected him before seeing the fruits of his decision.

Haedo Valdez was awarded man of the match in Paraguay's victory over Argentina before scoring the only goal in the 1-0 triumph over Venezuela last October which sealed his country's passage to Germany.

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