Fan Zhiyi - excellent defender (Allsport).

Position: Defender
Born: 06.11.69
Club: Dundee

English and Scottish fans will be familiar with the name Fan Zhiyi.

He enjoyed a spell at Crystal Palace before moving north to join Scottish Premier League side Dundee.

And the China captain is hoping to use his appearance at the World Cup to build on his growing reputation in Europe.

Fan has all the attributes needed to be a world-class defender - with aerial ability, pace and power as well as a willingness to run himself into the ground for the team.

His adaptability has seen him play in just about every position - except goalkeeper - for China and his work ethic has made him a big hit with fans of Palace and now Dee.

He weighed in with four goals in China's qualifying campaign to make him their joint second top scorer despite his usual role being in either midfield or defence.