Germany 
Capped by Germany for the first time in 2002, Friedrich has gone on to deliver on the promise that saw him selected for the 'Mannschaft' with just two Bundesliga appearances to his name.
An iffy start at international level - he put through his own goal against minnows Faroe Islands on his first start - has been consigned to the recesses of the mind as the level-headed Friedrich has gone on to accrue over 50 caps.
Comfortable at right-back or in the centre of defence, the 29-year-old allies a physical defensive approach to poise on the ball and as such is an accomplished all-round performer.
After starting his professional career with Arminia Bielefeld in 2000, Friedrich has just completed his sixth season as a Hertha Berlin mainstay but has long been linked with the likes of Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, while Italian giants Roma were also credited with an interest earlier this year.
One of seven players to feature in eight of Germany's 12 qualifying games, Friedrich captains Hertha and has also skippered the national side; doing so for the first time in the 2004 friendly against Thailand.
An integral part of the Germany squad that finished third in both the 2005 Confederations Cup and 2006 World Cup, Friedrich will be hoping to help them go at least one stage further this summer.
