Position: Forward
Born: 05.04.76
Club: Liverpool

Fernando Morientes' mere presence seems to inspire teams in the Champions League.

Having joined Real Madrid from Zaragoza in 1997, Morientes helped his new club reclaim the European Cup in his first season in the capital, scoring 12 goals in La Liga.

More Champions League glory followed in 2000, with Morientes netting the opening goal in a 3-0 final victory over Valencia at the Stade de France.

The arrival of Ronaldo at the Bernabeu saw Morientes relegated to a bit-part player for Madrid and in 2003 a loan move to Monaco followed.

At the Stade Louis II, Morientes' class showed with his powerful, direct attacking the catalyst behind a memorable European Cup run.

Didier Deschamps' side eventually lost to Porto in the final but Morientes' personal highlight was a blockbusting double to knock his parent club out at the quarter-final stage.

In January 2005 Morientes joined a Liverpool side that had qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League by the thinnest of margins.

Though he was ineligible to play, by May Morientes was able to watch his new team-mates lift the European Cup after an incredible victory over Milan.

Devastating in the air, Morientes is a fearless finisher with his tail up and has a delicate touch that belies his physical approach to the game.

Personally he has struggled since arriving at Anfield, with his moments of brilliance and goals occasional.

Fernando Torres' prolific qualifying campaign ensures Morientes will start the World Cup on the bench but his class will make him an influential substitute.

• 5 Carles Puyol
• 7 Raul
• Vicente Rodriquez
• 2 Michel Salgado
• 9 Fernando Torres