De La Cruz - powers up and down the flank. (Allsport)
ULISES DE LA CRUZ
Position: Defender
Born: 08.08.74
Club: Hibernian Ulises de la Cruz was once dubbed 'the next Pele'.
And while he may not have lived up to that tag, he has certainly played his part as Ecuador booked their place in their first World Cup finals.
De la Cruz, along with Raul Guerron, supplies the balance and the width for Hernan Gomez's side.
Whether they be tracking back or racing down the flanks both are key members of the squad and see plenty of the ball.
De la Cruz is similar to Roberto Carlos in the way he flies up and down his flank, and he also has an eye for goal as he demonstrated with a wonder goal against the Brazilians in the Maracana during qualifying.
De la Cruz spent much of his early career in the Ecuadorian League, but he has since moved to Hibernian where he has quickly won over the Easter Road fans with a string of committed displays.
Strong in the tackle and good on the ball, the 27-year-old will provide wingers around the world with a tough task in the summer.
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