Claudio Reyna - talented midfielder (Allsport).

Position: Midfield
Born: 20.07.73
Club: Sunderland

Claudio Reyna has been a mainstay in the US set-up for a number of years. Despite only being 27 years old, he has been a member of the US squad in two World Cups and two Olympics and has scored at least one goal in every year he has played for his country.

Reyna made his international debut against Norway in January 1994 and quickly caught the eye of coaches and pundits alike with his smooth passing and quick feet in the centre of midfield. After starring in the 1992 Olympics, he was selected for the 1994 US World Cup squad, but unfortunately did not play because of a hamstring injury.

However, he soon made up for lost time, playing as an 'over-age' player in the 1996 Olympics and played an important part in ensuring that the US qualified for the 1998 World Cup.

Having missed out in 1994, Renya was determined not to miss out in 1998 and was actually one of only three US players to play every minute of their games in the tournament.

Reyna's leadership ability was soon noted by coaches, who made him captain for the first time in 1999. He looks likely to carry the captain's armband in the 2002 World Cup and his form is crucial to the US' World Cuyp chances.