Al Deayea - has the pedigree to shine. (Allsport)
MOHAMMED AL-DEAYEA
Position: Goalkeeper
Born: 08.02.72
Club: Al Hilal
If Saudi Arabia are to progress past the group stages of the World Cup, Mohammed Al-Deayea will have to be on top form.
But the Al Hilal custodian certainly has the pedigree to be a star man for his side in Japan and Korea.
Al-Deayea emerged as a force in the Saudi side when he was named on the shortlist for Asian Footballer of the Year in 1996.
The following year he was named in the Asian Team of the Year, a feat he repeated in 2000.
In between he was in top form as the Saudis won the Asian Cup in 1999, saving two penalties as they beat the United Arab Emirates on penalties.
Al-Deayea is a brave shot-stopper with good command of his defenders and has built a good understanding with Mohammed Al Khilaiwi in particular.
Their partnership could go a long way to deciding how far the Saudis progress.
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