The Bayer Leverkusen defender's versatility should be enough to win a place in the 23-man squad, as well as his intimate knowledge of Germany after four years at Bayer Leverkusen. He moved to Europe in 2002, having made his name with Flamengo and made his national team debut the previous year. Able to operate in midfield as well as in defence, he used to form a formidable double act with Lucio at Bayer, before his compatriot headed off to Bayern Munich. He has nearly 40 caps to his name to date.