Andersson - assured displays at the back. (Allsport)
PATRICK ANDERSSON
Position: Defender
Born: 18.08.1971
Club: Barcelona.
Patrick Andersson is a dominant presence in defence as anyone who faced Bayern Munich in the Champions League last season will testify.
But Andersson's powerful build disguises the fact that he
has a delicate touch when necessary.
Indeed his assured displays were one of the key reasons why Sweden came out of the qualifying competition with just three goals conceded.
Andersson spent much of his career in the Bundesliga with Borussia Moenchengladbach and Bayern Munich and has proved himself equally adept as a sweeper or reverting to a more traditional central defensive role.
But after winning the Champions League with Bayern last season he opted to move to Barcelona and has immediately settled into life at the daunting Nou Camp.
His partnership with - most likely - Olof Mellberg is crucial if Sweden are to continue their defensive dominance at the finals.
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