Toda - defensive midfield king (Allsport).

Position: Midfield
Born: 30.12.77
Club: Shimizu S-Pulse

Another of the successful Shimizu S-Pulse line-up, Kazuyuki Toda sits in front of the back three for Japan to regularly break up opposing attacks, not unlike David Batty has done for England in the past.

A Shimizu favourite, the 24-year-old made his debut for the club in 1996 and has been there ever since. However, it did take Toda four years to score his first goal such is his defensive nature.

Mr Reliable for both club and country, Toda is a popular player in Japan and he will be well supported during this event, just as he was with some impressive performances in the 2001 Confederations Cup.

Watch out for his tough-tackling approach around the Japanese penalty area, where he can be a real ball winner before launching an attack.