Felipe Melo

One of the most improved midfielders in the game over the past couple of years, Melo is expected to be integral to Brazil's prospects of success in South Africa. Though he will head into the tournament on the back of an indifferent debut season at Juventus, following his move from Fiorentina, Melo has retained his form for Brazil. He only made his debut for Brazil in February last year against Italy and, heading into the tournament, he has yet to lose a competitive game when wearing the national shirt. Melo made six appearances in the qualifiers and was part of the team which won the Confederations Cup 12 months ago, beating the USA in the final. His rise to prominence for Brazil is a stark contrast to that enjoyed by some of his team-mates and he initially struggled to settle, enjoying a nomadic existence playing for the likes of Cruzeiro and Gremio in his homeland, and Mallorca and Racing Santander in Spain. A decent 2007/08 season with Almeria secured his move to Fiorentina, and then Juventus 12 months later, while Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is a confirmed admirer of his talent.