Defensive rock who has been part of the international set-up since 2002. After coming through the ranks at Seville and following a brief loan spell in Portugal at Benfica, the tough-tackling central defender moved on to current club Valencia where he played a key role in the their historic league and UEFA Cup double of 2003/04. Marchena called up as a late replacement for Spain's Euro 2004 squad but has since become a mainstay of the national side under coach Luis Aragones. However, his rugged and uncompromising style of play can often lead to disciplinary problems.