Michael Essien

Full Name	Michael Essien
Birth Date	December 3, 1982
Birth Place	Accra, Ghana
Height	1.80m

Weight	78 kg
Age	27
Position	Midfielder
Squad No	5

In 2005, Chelsea fought off stiff competition from Manchester United to pay £24.4 million for a Ghanaian central midfield with a fine reputation after some outstanding performances for Lyon - but few could have predicted just how crucial a player Essien would become for the Blues. He moved to France in 2001, joining Bastia from Liberty Professionals, and reached the French Cup final in his debut season before joining Lyon where two Championship medals and the 2004-05 French Players' Player of the Year award followed.

A commanding figure in the middle of the park, Essien is a fearsome tackler, but is also able to drive the team forward in attack with his powerful runs; creating goals, as well as netting some incredible strikes of his own.

He has also shown great versatility, playing on the right-hand side of both defence and midfield to great
aplomb - though you feel it is in midfield where he is most at home.

Essien had tasted success early in his career as he picked up a gold medal with Ghana at the African Under-17 Championships, a bronze medal at World Under-17 Championships and silver at the World Youth Championships. The midfielder made his full debut for Ghana at the 2002 African Nations Cup and helped the Black Stars reach the World Cup for the first ever time in 2006. Essien ruptured his cruciate ligament in a World Cup qualifier in September 2008, but after returning in March he has helped secure Ghana's place at the 2010 finals.

Strengths: His power, drive and relentless work-rate. He also possesses an incredible shot from distance - goals against Arsenal in the Premier League and the 2009 Champions League semi-final against Barcelona are proof of that.

Weaknesses: Heading - Essien was famously beaten in the air by Cristiano Ronaldo when he scored Manchester United's goal in the 2008 Champions league final.

Career High: In 2006, he won the Premier League title with Chelsea and played for Ghana in their inaugural World Cup in Germany, as well as being nominated for the FIFA World Player of the Year award.

Career Low: Spending six months on the sidelines after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament playing in a World Cup qualifier against Libya in September 2008.

Style: Combative box-to-box midfielder who likes to be involved with play at all times, whether in defence or attack.

Quotes: "Essien is a special player. He is an athlete. He can run forever. He could play a game every day. He is a superb athlete." Jose Mourinho, 2007.

Trivia: Essien's nickname is "The Bison" because of his powerful physical presence.

Soccernet says: Essien has proved since returning from his cruciate ligament injury that he is back to his best and if he stays fit will be a powerful weapon for Ghana, as he has the vital experience of playing against the world's best players with Chelsea in the Premier League and Champions League.

2010/11 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
Ghana	African Nations Cup	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Ghana	African Nations Cup	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Ghana	African Nations Cup	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Ghana	African Nations Cup	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2010/11 Season Totals		0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

2009/10 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
Chelsea	UEFA Champions League	5	1	1	1	6	1	8	8	2	0
Chelsea	Premier League	13	1	3	0	39	11	13	25	2	0
Ghana	World Cup Qualifying - CAF	4	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Ghana	World Cup Qualifying - CAF	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Chelsea	World Football Challenge	2	0	0	0	2	0	2	3	0	0
Chelsea	English FA Community Shield	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Chelsea	English Carling Cup	0	1	0	0	2	0	1	0	0	0
2009/10 Season Totals		26	3	5	1	49	12	24	36	4	0

2008/09 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
Chelsea	English FA Cup	2	1	0	0	3	1	2	3	0	0
Ghana	World Cup Qualifying - CAF	5	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Ghana	International Friendly	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Chelsea	Premier League	10	1	1	0	22	5	4	18	0	0
Chelsea	UEFA Champions League	5	0	2	0	5	2	10	11	1	0
2008/09 Season Totals		23	2	4	0	30	8	16	32	1	0

2007/08 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
Chelsea	UEFA Champions League	11	1	0	2	28	9	21	16	4	0
Chelsea	English FA Cup	1	1	0	0	0	0	3	2	0	0
Chelsea	Premier League	23	4	6	4	40	23	20	41	5	1
2007/08 Season Totals		35	6	6	6	68	32	44	59	9	1

2006/07 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
Ghana	World Cup	3	0	0	0	14	5	8	7	2	0
Chelsea	Premier League	33	0	2	3	42	19	35	62	5	0
Ghana	International Friendly	3	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Chelsea	English FA Community Shield	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	0	0
Chelsea	English Carling Cup	6	0	1	0	6	3	7	11	2	0
Chelsea	English FA Cup	4	1	1	0	8	3	2	6	0	0
Chelsea	UEFA Champions League	10	0	2	0	13	2	21	0	3	0
2006/07 Season Totals		60	2	7	3	83	32	73	89	12	0

2005/06 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
Chelsea	UEFA Champions League	6	0	0	2	12	1	20	0	0	0
Chelsea	English FA Cup	3	1	0	0	1	0	7	3	0	0
Chelsea	English Carling Cup	1	0	0	0	1	0	2	3	1	0
Chelsea	Premier League	27	4	2	2	47	15	43	48	5	0
2005/06 Season Totals		37	5	2	4	61	16	72	54	6	0

2004/05 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
Lyon	French Ligue 1	36	1	5	0	0	0	0	0	11	1
Lyon	UEFA Champions League	10	0	5	0	7	4	8	0	0	0
2004/05 Season Totals		46	1	10	0	7	4	8	0	11	1

2003/04 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
Lyon	UEFA Champions League	7	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Lyon	French Ligue 1	25	9	3	0	0	0	0	0	6	1
2003/04 Season Totals		32	10	3	0	0	0	0	0	6	1

2002/03 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
Bastia	French Ligue 1	28	0	6	0	0	0	0	0	11	1

Glossary

GS: Games Started, SB: Used as Substitute, G: Goals, A: Assists, SH: Shots, SG: Shots on goal, YC: Yellow Cards, RC: Red Cards, FC: Fouls Committed, FS: Fouls Suffered, SV: Saves, OF: Offsides, W: Wins, D: Draws, L: Losses

Deco

Full Name	Anderson Deco
Birth Date	August 27, 1977
Birth Place	São Bernardo do Campo
Height	1.75m

Weight	73 kg
Age	32
Position	Midfielder
Squad No	20

Deco may not be as effective as he once was, but he still has the skill and finishing ability which will see him an important figure for Portugal at what, weeks before his 33rd birthday, will surely be his last World Cup finals.


Born in Brazil but naturalised Portuguese, Deco began his career in his homeland with Corinthians before moving to Portugal in 1997 with Benfica who loaned him out to Alverca. Upon his return he was rejected by Benfica boss Graeme Souness, and signed for Salgueiros. It would be after a move to FC Porto in 1999 that he became a household name.

Part of the successful Porto side which won back-to-back league titles and also the Champions League in 2004, he was one of many star players to exit the club after that European triumph, along with Jose Mourinho, in 2004. His next port of call would be Barcelona, where two years later he would again win the Champions League title.

Deco left Barca after four years, signed by former Portugal boss Luiz Felipe Scolari for Chelsea in the summer of 2008. Despite an excellent start in west London injury ruled him out for weeks and he then struggled to rediscover top form.

His international debut for Portugal came in 2002, having completed six years of Portuguese residence.

Though it was a controversial move by the Portuguese FA they reaped the benefits after his bow - coincidentally a 2-1 win over Brazil in which Deco actually scored. He was part of Portugal's squad at Euro 2004 and Euro 2008 as well as the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

Strengths: Tricky, skillful and supremely talented technical player who can turn quickly, create openings and score great goals.

Weaknesses: Not as mobile as he perhaps once was and can fade out of games.

Career high: Being named the best midfielder in Europe for the second time in three years after Barcelona won the Champions League. It made him the first player to win the award with two different clubs. He was also Man of the Match in the 2004 final.

Career low: Being released by Graeme Souness at Benfica.

Style: Deco has all the attributes associated with a Brazilian-born player. A technically-gifted midfielder, Portugal will look to Deco to unlock the opposition defence.

Quotes: "I think he brings a lot to the team. Everyone can see the way he plays, I think he gives us a lot of options in the middle when we play. He always wants to express himself, be on the ball and when you have players like that in the middle with you, you will have more options." Chelsea team-mate Mikel John Obi, September 2008.

Trivia: Deco's nicknames at FC Porto were "Mágico" and "SuperDeco".

Soccernet says: Time may be catching up with Deco, but he can still be part of a dangerous attack which will cause problems for most in South Africa.

2009/10 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
Chelsea	World Football Challenge	1	1	0	0	5	2	4	1	0	0
Portugal	World Cup Qualifying - UEFA	6	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0
Chelsea	UEFA Champions League	2	2	0	0	4	0	2	2	0	0
Chelsea	Premier League	10	4	2	1	17	7	6	15	1	0
Chelsea	English FA Cup	1	0	0	0	1	0	2	0	0	0
Chelsea	English FA Community Shield	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Chelsea	English Carling Cup	2	0	1	0	2	1	2	2	0	0
2009/10 Season Totals		22	9	3	1	29	10	16	20	2	0

2008/09 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
Chelsea	English Carling Cup	1	0	0	0	1	0	0	1	0	0
Chelsea	English FA Cup	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Chelsea	Premier League	17	7	3	2	32	3	26	35	3	0
Chelsea	UEFA Champions League	4	0	0	1	6	1	14	8	1	1
Portugal	World Cup Qualifying - UEFA	2	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Portugal	European Championship Qualifying	10	0	0	1	21	3	8	15	0	0
Portugal	International Friendly	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Portugal	European Championship	3	0	1	1	4	3	3	6	0	0
2008/09 Season Totals		39	9	5	5	64	10	51	65	4	1

2007/08 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
Portugal	International Friendly	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Barcelona	Spanish Primera División	14	4	1	6	31	9	35	32	11	0
Barcelona	Spanish Copa del Rey	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0
Barcelona	UEFA Champions League	6	0	0	0	18	4	13	18	2	0
2007/08 Season Totals		22	4	1	6	49	13	48	50	14	0

2006/07 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
Barcelona	UEFA Champions League	8	0	2	2	12	4	9	0	1	0
Portugal	World Cup	4	0	1	0	7	5	5	10	2	1
Barcelona	FIFA Club World Cup	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Barcelona	UEFA Super Cup	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Barcelona	Spanish Copa del Rey	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Barcelona	Spanish Primera División	31	0	1	10	57	15	60	0	13	1
Portugal	International Friendly	3	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0
2006/07 Season Totals		52	1	4	12	76	24	74	10	17	2

2005/06 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
Portugal	International Friendly	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Barcelona	Spanish Primera División	28	1	3	5	39	11	59	0	7	1
Barcelona	UEFA Champions League	11	0	2	0	15	3	20	0	3	0
2005/06 Season Totals		40	1	5	5	54	14	79	0	10	1

2004/05 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
Barcelona	UEFA Champions League	7	0	2	0	12	4	4	0	0	0
Portugal	European Championship	5	1	0	0	0	0	20	31	2	0
Barcelona	Spanish Primera División	35	0	7	0	30	17	35	0	12	0
Portugal	International Friendly	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2004/05 Season Totals		47	3	9	2	42	21	59	31	14	0

2003/04 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
Portugal	International Friendly	1	3	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
FC Porto	UEFA Champions League	12	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	4	0
2003/04 Season Totals		13	3	4	0	0	0	0	0	4	0

2001/02 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
FC Porto	UEFA Champions League	10	0	6	0	0	0	0	0	1	0

Glossary

GS: Games Started, SB: Used as Substitute, G: Goals, A: Assists, SH: Shots, SG: Shots on goal, YC: Yellow Cards, RC: Red Cards, FC: Fouls Committed, FS: Fouls Suffered, SV: Saves, OF: Offsides, W: Wins, D: Draws, L: Losses

Joe Cole

Full Name	Joe Cole
Birth Date	November 8, 1981
Birth Place	London
Height	1.75m

Weight	69.9 kg
Age	28
Position	Midfielder
Squad No	10

A child prodigy, Cole started his career at West Ham and was touted as one of the hottest prospects in the game as a 16-year-old. He helped the Hammers win the FA Youth Cup, but was relegated from the top flight in 2003 and was snapped up by Chelsea for £6.6 million.

The move proved fruitful as he picked up Premier League and FA Cup trophies, while his international ambitions also took off with a starring role in the 2-0 win over Andorra in World Cup qualifying.

A stylish, technically sound player, Cole's versatility allows him to play in a variety of midfield roles; but a cruciate ligament injury ruled him out of action for half of the 2008-09 season and he suffered from a lack of playing time that may hinder his England hopes.

Strengths: Technically one of the best players around, he has a great passing range and his creativity can unlock a defence.

Weaknesses: Doesn't have a great deal of strength, or tackling ability. Also very weak in the air.

Career high: Winning his first Premier League title with Chelsea, the club he supported as a boy, in 2005.

Career low: Relegated with West Ham in 2003, the 21-year-old skipper could not keep his side up.

Style: Technical, confident, tricky, a stylish midfielder.

Quotes: ''I'm only 26 still but I've got a lot of experience now and know the game. I'm getting better every year and hopefully I can continue." Joe Cole, August 2008.

Trivia: Cole was in the crowd to watch his favourite player, Paul Gascoigne, score a famous goal against Scotland at Wembley in Euro '96.

Soccernet says: His versatility gives Capello options in midfield and he also has the ability to make an immediate impact on a game from the bench.

2009/10 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
Chelsea	English Carling Cup	3	0	0	3	6	3	1	3	0	0
Chelsea	English FA Cup	1	1	0	2	7	3	1	1	1	0
Chelsea	UEFA Champions League	2	2	0	0	5	1	1	3	0	0
Chelsea	Premier League	9	5	1	2	26	3	7	10	0	0
Chelsea	World Football Challenge	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2009/10 Season Totals		15	8	1	7	44	10	10	17	1	0

2008/09 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
England	World Cup Qualifying - UEFA	1	1	2	0	4	3	3	2	0	0
England	European Championship Qualifying	6	0	1	2	10	6	8	12	1	0
England	International Friendly	1	2	1	0	1	1	0	2	0	0
Chelsea	Premier League	14	0	2	4	28	10	17	8	2	0
Chelsea	UEFA Champions League	4	0	1	1	5	4	9	8	1	0
Chelsea	English FA Cup	2	0	0	1	4	1	0	3	0	0
2008/09 Season Totals		28	3	7	8	52	25	37	35	4	0

2007/08 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
Chelsea	English FA Cup	2	1	0	0	10	5	5	2	0	0
England	International Friendly	3	0	0	0	4	2	7	5	1	0
Chelsea	UEFA Champions League	12	1	2	1	22	10	11	25	0	0
Chelsea	Premier League	28	5	7	6	56	32	30	28	5	0
2007/08 Season Totals		45	7	9	7	92	49	53	60	6	0

2006/07 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
Chelsea	Premier League	3	10	0	0	10	3	7	7	3	0
Chelsea	UEFA Champions League	3	4	1	0	6	2	7	0	2	0
England B	International Friendly	0	1	0	0	3	3	0	1	0	0
England	International Friendly	4	0	1	1	4	2	2	4	0	0
England	World Cup	5	0	1	1	9	2	11	18	0	0
Chelsea	English Carling Cup	1	1	1	0	3	2	2	3	1	0
Chelsea	English FA Cup	2	0	0	0	2	1	2	10	0	0
2006/07 Season Totals		18	16	4	2	37	15	31	43	6	0

2005/06 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
Chelsea	English FA Cup	3	3	2	0	12	10	1	9	0	0
Chelsea	English Carling Cup	0	1	0	0	1	1	1	1	0	0
Chelsea	English FA Community Shield	0	1	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0
England	International Friendly	3	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0
Chelsea	UEFA Champions League	5	1	1	0	7	5	6	0	2	0
Chelsea	Premier League	26	8	8	4	45	27	34	57	7	0
2005/06 Season Totals		37	15	11	4	66	43	42	67	10	0

2004/05 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
England	European Championship Qualifying	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Chelsea	Premier League	19	9	8	2	61	42	20	26	5	0
Chelsea	UEFA Champions League	8	1	1	0	6	3	12	0	1	0
England	International Friendly	0	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Chelsea	English Carling Cup	4	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0
Chelsea	English FA Cup	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2004/05 Season Totals		34	17	9	2	67	45	32	26	7	0

2003/04 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
Chelsea	English FA Cup	2	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Chelsea	English Carling Cup	2	1	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
England	International Friendly	1	3	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Chelsea	UEFA Champions League	3	6	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0
Chelsea	Premier League	18	17	1	3	43	43	19	33	3	0
2003/04 Season Totals		26	28	5	3	43	43	19	33	5	0

2002/03 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
West Ham United	Premier League	36	0	4	3	52	26	0	0	10	0
England	International Friendly	1	5	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
West Ham United	English Carling Cup	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
West Ham United	English FA Cup	2	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2002/03 Season Totals		41	5	5	3	52	26	0	0	10	0

2001/02 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
West Ham United	English FA Cup	3	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
West Ham United	Premier League	25	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	5	0

Glossary

GS: Games Started, SB: Used as Substitute, G: Goals, A: Assists, SH: Shots, SG: Shots on goal, YC: Yellow Cards, RC: Red Cards, FC: Fouls Committed, FS: Fouls Suffered, SV: Saves, OF: Offsides, W: Wins, D: Draws, L: Losses

Michael Ballack

Full Name	Michael Ballack
Birth Date	September 26, 1976
Birth Place	Chemnitz, Germany
Height	1.88m

Weight	81.9 kg
Age	33
Position	Midfielder
Squad No	13

An inspirational figure, captain of his country and with a long and successful club career behind him, Michael Ballack has yet to achieve success on the biggest of stages. After missing the 2002 World Cup final due to suspension and losing in the Euro 2008 final to Spain, as well as suffering Champions League final heartbreak in both of those years, the Chelsea midfielder certainly has a score to settle. With a strike ratio of nearly a goal every two games for 'Die Mannschaft' though, Ballack has been an integral member of his national side for some nine years and his level of consistency for Germany in major competitions has been vastly impressive.

Beginning his career in the former East Germany with Chemnitz FC, then named Karl-Marx-Stadt FC, Ballack won a move to Kaiserslautern in 1997 and made 16 appearances as the club became the first promoted side to immediately win the Bundesliga title. A move to Bayer Leverkusen soon followed in 1999, but Ballack knew only painful failure with his new club and they famously finished as runners-up in three competitions in 2002, most notably losing the Champions League final to a Zinedine Zidane-inspired Real Madrid in Glasgow. That summer, following a World Cup campaign in Japan and South Korea that saw him score important goals before missing the final defeat to Brazil due to suspension, Ballack joined Bayern Munich for £12.9 million and enjoyed sustained success in Bavaria, winning three domestic doubles as he cemented his status as one of Europe's most feared midfielders.

Arriving at Chelsea on a free transfer in the summer of 2006, and snubbing interest from the likes of Manchester United, Real Madrid and Inter Milan, Ballack has largely failed to replicate the prolific form that he enjoyed in Germany, but despite a number of troublesome injuries the midfielder has proved a key player under successive managers, including Carlo Ancelotti, and has collected winners' medals in the FA Cup and Carling Cup. He beat Edwin van der Sar from 12 yards in Moscow in 2008 but was denied a first Champions League medal when John Terry famously lost his footing. In that season, and prior to Germany's failure at Euro 2008, Chelsea also finished as runners-up in the league and the League Cup in another traumatic run of results for the Gorlitz-born midfielder.

Strengths: Ballack boasts admirable stamina and fitness levels to match his excellent use of the ball. A commanding presence in midfield, his range of passing and ability to dominate a game mark him out as a special player and he is also a goal threat when arriving late in the box.

Weaknesses: The goals have dried up for Ballack somewhat since his move to Chelsea and his powers are undoubtedly on the wane. The suspicion remains that a quick and dynamic opponent could get the better of him, while his headstrong nature saw him fall out with Joachim Low in October 2008.

Career high: Winning a hat-trick of German Footballer of the Year titles (2002, 2003 and 2005) - more than such luminaries as Gerd Muller, Jurgen Klinsmann and Lothar Matthaus.

Career low: Missing the 2002 World Cup final due to suspension following an end to the season that saw Bayer Leverkusen agonisingly finish as runners up in the Bundesliga, German Cup and Champions League.

Style: Determined, accomplished, inspirational, an attacking midfielder of real pedigree.

Quotes: "Michael Ballack has a very important role. He has literally filled out his role of captain at the World Cup. He has great strength and we speak of him with the greatest respect." Jurgen Klinsmann, July 2006.

Trivia: Ballack became the first player to reach the Champions League quarter-finals with four separate clubs in 2007.

Soccernet says: He may be nearing the end of his career but Ballack remains a formidable presence for his country. Can he end his big-game jinx at South Africa? Don't bet against it.

2009/10 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
Chelsea	World Football Challenge	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Germany	International Friendly	2	0	0	0	3	0	0	4	0	0
Germany	World Cup Qualifying - UEFA	4	0	1	1	10	6	6	7	0	0
Chelsea	UEFA Champions League	3	1	0	0	1	0	2	3	1	0
Chelsea	Premier League	18	2	4	4	40	10	34	27	0	0
Chelsea	English FA Cup	1	0	0	1	4	2	0	0	0	0
Chelsea	English FA Community Shield	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Chelsea	English Carling Cup	2	0	0	1	5	0	2	2	0	0
2009/10 Season Totals		30	4	5	7	63	18	44	43	1	0

2008/09 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
Chelsea	English Carling Cup	1	0	0	0	3	0	1	1	1	0
Chelsea	English FA Cup	5	1	3	0	12	3	8	12	1	0
Chelsea	Premier League	22	7	1	4	56	19	37	39	6	0
Chelsea	UEFA Champions League	9	1	0	0	17	4	20	16	3	0
Germany	World Cup Qualifying - UEFA	4	0	3	0	8	3	4	8	0	0
Germany	European Championship Qualifying	5	0	3	0	14	4	3	4	0	0
Germany	International Friendly	3	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Germany	European Championship	6	0	2	0	11	8	23	12	2	0
2008/09 Season Totals		55	9	13	4	121	41	96	92	13	0

2007/08 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
Chelsea	Premier League	16	2	7	1	41	24	26	21	5	0
Germany	International Friendly	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Chelsea	English FA Cup	1	1	0	0	3	2	0	2	0	0
Chelsea	UEFA Champions League	7	0	2	0	20	10	15	15	1	0
2007/08 Season Totals		25	3	9	1	64	36	41	38	6	0

2006/07 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
Chelsea	UEFA Champions League	10	0	2	0	22	6	22	0	2	0
Chelsea	English FA Community Shield	1	0	0	0	1	0	1	1	1	0
Chelsea	English Carling Cup	5	1	0	3	8	2	13	9	0	0
Chelsea	English FA Cup	3	0	1	2	7	2	6	5	1	0
Germany	International Friendly	5	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	2	0
Germany	World Cup	5	0	0	1	26	9	14	17	1	0
Chelsea	Premier League	23	3	4	2	43	14	61	32	7	1
2006/07 Season Totals		52	4	10	8	107	33	117	64	14	1

2005/06 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
Bayern Munich	German Bundesliga	26	0	14	0	0	0	0	0	10	0
Germany	International Friendly	7	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	1	0
Bayern Munich	UEFA Champions League	6	0	1	0	18	6	14	0	1	0
Germany	Confederations Cup	4	0	0	0	0	0	1	10	1	0
2005/06 Season Totals		43	0	18	1	18	6	15	10	13	0

2004/05 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
Germany	European Championship	3	0	0	0	0	0	7	6	1	0
Germany	European Championship Qualifying	6	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0
Bayern Munich	UEFA Champions League	9	0	2	0	12	3	9	0	2	0
Germany	International Friendly	10	0	7	0	0	0	0	0	1	0
Bayern Munich	German Bundesliga	27	0	13	0	0	0	0	0	6	0
2004/05 Season Totals		55	0	22	0	12	3	16	6	11	0

2003/04 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
Bayern Munich	German Bundesliga	28	0	7	0	0	0	0	0	10	2
Germany	International Friendly	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Bayern Munich	UEFA Champions League	8	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0
2003/04 Season Totals		37	0	7	0	0	0	0	0	12	2

2002/03 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
Bayern Munich	UEFA Champions League	6	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	0
Germany	International Friendly	3	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Germany	World Cup	6	0	3	6	18	8	12	9	3	0
Bayern Munich	German Bundesliga	26	0	10	0	0	0	0	0	8	0
2002/03 Season Totals		41	0	15	6	18	8	12	9	12	0

2001/02 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
Bayer Leverkusen	German Bundesliga	23	0	17	0	0	0	0	0	11	1
Bayer Leverkusen	UEFA Champions League	12	0	6	0	0	0	0	0	2	0

Glossary

GS: Games Started, SB: Used as Substitute, G: Goals, A: Assists, SH: Shots, SG: Shots on goal, YC: Yellow Cards, RC: Red Cards, FC: Fouls Committed, FS: Fouls Suffered, SV: Saves, OF: Offsides, W: Wins, D: Draws, L: Losses

John Terry

Full Name	John Terry
Birth Date	December 7, 1980
Birth Place	Barking, England
Height	1.88m

Weight	79.4 kg
Age	29
Position	Defender
Squad No	26

The defensive inspiration for Chelsea and England, Terry is a vital part of the spine of the side and is viewed as one of the best defenders in the world.

One of the few to have graduated from the Chelsea academy, Terry went on loan to Nottingham Forest in 2000, but returned to establish himself in the first-team alongside Marcel Desailly. In 2004 he was named Chelsea captain and led the side to back-to-back Premier League titles under Jose Mourinho, as well as two more FA Cup trophies.

First called up to the England squad in 2003, he cemented his place in the first-team at Euro 2004 and rose to captain his country under Steve McClaren after the 2006 World Cup. Making his name as a commanding, passionate centre-back, Terry's influence continued to rise, but he suffered the worst moment of his career when he missed the crucial penalty in the 2008 Champions League final against Manchester United, allowing United to take home the trophy.

Strengths: A commanding, no-nonsense style of player who does not get bullied. Excellent in the air, in a positional sense, and willing to throw himself in front of anything to stop a shot, he is a first-rate defender.

Weaknesses: Has been caught out in the past by strikers with pace and could use a burst of acceleration.

Career high: Winning back-to-back Premier League titles with Chelsea in 2005-2006, he was then announced as England captain in August 2006.

Career low: That penalty miss in Moscow in 2008. One slip, and his dream of lifting the Champions League trophy disintegrated as quickly as the turf beneath his feet.

Style: Uncompromising, tough, passionate, a natural leader.

Quotes: "Choosing a captain is one of the most important decisions a coach has to make. I'm certain I've got the right man in John Terry. I'm convinced he will prove to be one of the best captains England has ever had." Steve McClaren, August 2006.

Trivia: Terry still has his shirt from the losing 2008 Champions League final, which he keeps in a separate cabinet in his trophy room as a constant reminder of his desire to win the competition.

Soccernet says: Captain and a true inspiration to the other team members, Terry is responsible for the team spirit and expects the best from himself and others.

2009/10 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
Chelsea	World Football Challenge	2	0	0	1	1	0	1	1	0	0
England	World Cup Qualifying - UEFA	5	0	0	0	3	2	6	2	1	0
Chelsea	UEFA Champions League	6	0	0	0	3	0	10	2	1	0
Chelsea	Premier League	24	0	2	1	17	5	21	15	5	0
Chelsea	English FA Cup	2	0	0	2	7	3	0	2	0	0
Chelsea	English FA Community Shield	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Chelsea	English Carling Cup	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
England	International Friendly	4	0	0	0	4	0	2	3	0	0
2009/10 Season Totals		44	1	2	4	35	10	40	25	7	0

2008/09 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
England	International Friendly	4	0	2	0	2	2	5	2	0	0
Chelsea	English Carling Cup	1	0	0	0	0	0	2	1	0	0
Chelsea	English FA Cup	4	0	0	0	0	0	3	2	0	0
Chelsea	Premier League	35	0	1	0	17	6	25	18	7	1
Chelsea	UEFA Champions League	11	0	2	0	7	3	15	6	3	0
England	World Cup Qualifying - UEFA	3	0	1	1	2	0	9	2	0	0
England	European Championship Qualifying	9	0	0	0	1	1	8	9	1	0
2008/09 Season Totals		67	0	6	1	29	12	67	40	11	1

2007/08 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
England	International Friendly	2	0	1	0	2	2	0	0	0	0
Chelsea	UEFA Champions League	10	0	0	0	6	0	15	13	2	0
Chelsea	English FA Cup	2	0	0	0	2	1	3	2	0	0
Chelsea	Premier League	23	0	1	1	12	5	17	18	6	0
2007/08 Season Totals		37	0	2	1	22	8	35	33	8	0

2006/07 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
Chelsea	Premier League	27	1	1	3	11	5	27	41	2	1
Chelsea	English FA Cup	4	0	0	0	0	0	2	3	0	0
Chelsea	English Carling Cup	2	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	0	0
Chelsea	English FA Community Shield	1	0	0	0	1	1	1	2	0	0
Chelsea	UEFA Champions League	10	0	0	1	1	0	6	0	3	0
England	World Cup	5	0	0	0	2	1	7	6	2	0
England	International Friendly	4	1	2	0	5	3	1	1	0	0
2006/07 Season Totals		53	2	3	4	20	10	45	54	7	1

2005/06 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
England	International Friendly	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Chelsea	UEFA Champions League	8	0	0	0	3	1	5	0	2	0
Chelsea	English FA Community Shield	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0
Chelsea	English Carling Cup	1	0	1	0	2	1	2	1	1	0
Chelsea	English FA Cup	4	0	2	0	3	1	3	6	0	0
Chelsea	Premier League	36	0	4	0	32	16	22	33	3	0
2005/06 Season Totals		52	0	7	0	40	19	32	41	6	0

2004/05 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
Chelsea	Premier League	36	0	3	1	22	10	29	23	7	0
Chelsea	English FA Cup	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Chelsea	English Carling Cup	5	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Chelsea	UEFA Champions League	11	0	4	0	3	1	6	0	0	0
England	European Championship	3	0	0	0	0	0	8	1	0	0
England	European Championship Qualifying	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
England	International Friendly	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2004/05 Season Totals		63	0	8	2	25	11	43	24	7	0

2003/04 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
England	International Friendly	2	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Chelsea	UEFA Champions League	13	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0
Chelsea	English Carling Cup	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0
Chelsea	English FA Cup	3	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	0
Chelsea	Premier League	32	0	2	1	15	15	39	26	5	0
2003/04 Season Totals		52	1	3	1	15	15	39	26	9	0

2002/03 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
Chelsea	Premier League	16	4	3	2	4	3	0	0	3	0
Chelsea	English FA Cup	5	0	2	0	1	1	0	0	1	0
Chelsea	English Carling Cup	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0
Chelsea	UEFA Cup	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2002/03 Season Totals		25	4	6	2	5	4	0	0	5	0

2001/02 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
Chelsea	UEFA Cup	4	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	0
Chelsea	English Carling Cup	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0
Chelsea	English FA Cup	3	2	2	0	0	0	0	0	2	0
Chelsea	Premier League	22	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	4	0

Glossary

GS: Games Started, SB: Used as Substitute, G: Goals, A: Assists, SH: Shots, SG: Shots on goal, YC: Yellow Cards, RC: Red Cards, FC: Fouls Committed, FS: Fouls Suffered, SV: Saves, OF: Offsides, W: Wins, D: Draws, L: Losses

Branislav Ivanovic

Full Name	Branislav Ivanovic
Birth Date	February 22, 1984
Birth Place	Sremska Mitrovica
Height	1.88m

Weight	84 kg
Age	25
Position	Defender
Squad No	2

A versatile defender, Ivanovic has emerged as a dependable player at Chelsea and one who will prove important for Serbia at the World Cup finals.

He is a former star of the Serbia & Montenegro and then Serbia Under-21 sides, captaining Serbia to the final of the 2007 European Under-21 Championship in which he was also named in UEFA's Team of the Tournament. He made his full international debut for Serbia & Montenegro in the summer of 2005 in a friendly against Italy played in Canada.

Ivanovic played for FK Srem and OFK Beograd early in his career before being signed by Lokomotiv Moscow in 2006. It was with Lokomotiv that he cemented his place in the Serbia side.

He moved to Chelsea in January in 2008 in a transfer which largely went under the radar though the Russian club reported the deal was worth £9.7 million. He did not appear for the west London club until the 2008-09 campaign and although never likely to be a star figure he proved his reliability in an auxiliary role either in the centre of defence or at right-back.

Strengths: Strong in the air, the tackle and a threat at set-pieces.

Weaknesses: Lacks pace, can lack concentration at times.

Career high: Scoring twice against Liverpool at Anfield to help Chelsea through to the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2008-09.

Career low: Losing out in the final of the 2007 European Under-21 Championships to hosts Holland.

Style: A versatile player who can fit in on the right of the defence or at centre back, Ivanovic is a dependable if not spectacular footballer.

Quotes: "When you join a club like Chelsea and then find it hard to get games, it can be tough but he has been determined in training and shown a good mentality." Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink after Ivanovic's double against Liverpool in April 2009.

Trivia: His father Rade was a former professional football at FK Srem, where Branislav began his career.

Soccernet says: Ivanovic may be a bit-part player at club level, but for Serbia he is one of the very first names on the team-sheet. He will be an assured performer at the back for the World Cup debutants.

2009/10 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
Serbia	International Friendly	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Chelsea	World Football Challenge	2	1	0	0	1	0	4	1	2	0
Serbia	World Cup Qualifying - UEFA	5	0	0	0	3	1	4	1	0	0
Chelsea	UEFA Champions League	4	0	0	0	4	0	10	10	1	0
Chelsea	Premier League	16	2	1	4	18	10	29	23	5	0
Chelsea	English FA Cup	1	0	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	0
Chelsea	English FA Community Shield	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0
Chelsea	English Carling Cup	3	0	0	0	0	0	5	2	0	0
2009/10 Season Totals		32	3	1	4	28	11	52	37	9	0

2008/09 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
Chelsea	English Carling Cup	2	0	0	1	2	0	4	3	0	0
Chelsea	English FA Cup	3	1	0	1	0	0	5	2	1	0
Chelsea	Premier League	11	5	0	1	6	0	14	14	2	0
Chelsea	UEFA Champions League	4	0	2	0	3	2	5	4	1	0
Serbia	World Cup Qualifying - UEFA	4	0	3	0	1	1	3	2	1	0
Serbia	European Championship Qualifying	7	0	1	0	3	2	5	7	0	0
Serbia	International Friendly	2	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0
2008/09 Season Totals		33	7	6	3	15	5	36	32	7	0

2007/08 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
Lokomotiv Moscow	UEFA Cup	4	0	1	1	3	2	4	9	1	0
2007/08 Season Totals		4	0	1	1	3	2	4	9	1	0

2006/07 Statistics
TEAM	Competition	GS	SB	G	A	SH	SG	FC	FS	YC	RC
Lokomotiv Moscow	Russian Premier League	27	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	4	0
Serbia	International Friendly	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Lokomotiv Moscow	UEFA Cup	2	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

Glossary

GS: Games Started, SB: Used as Substitute, G: Goals, A: Assists, SH: Shots, SG: Shots on goal, YC: Yellow Cards, RC: Red Cards, FC: Fouls Committed, FS: Fouls Suffered, SV: Saves, OF: Offsides, W: Wins, D: Draws, L: Losses