Armando Teixeira, nicknamed Petit because of his slight frame and the fact that he was born in France, is a vital cog in the current international set-up. His tenacious nature in the middle of the pitch allows the creative likes of Deco, Luis Figo and Simao Sabrosa time and space to open up the opposition. Petit built his reputation in the Boavista side that upset the odds to win the Portuguese league title in 2002. He moved on to Benfica and was a member of the national team that reached the final of the last European Championships in Portugal.