Valdez starred for his country at the 2003 World Youth Championships and the Copa America one year later. He made his name at Atletico Tembetary in his homeland before signing for German side Werder Bremen five years ago while still a teenager. Now 22, the striker usually has to settle for a place on the substitutes bench in the Bundesliga although he has been a regular scorer in the reserves. His pace could prove useful in the group games against England, Trinidad & Tobago and Sweden.