Faced a race against time to recover from a serious injury in time for the World Cup finals. The 26-year-old tore cruciate knee ligaments in a collision with Barcelona team-mate Edmilson in December and his progress reports were awaited nervously by national coach Luis Aragones. Regarded as the most creative of all Spain's midfielders, Xavi can pull enough strings to open up even the tightest of defences but highlighting his versatility, he is also equally comfortable as a holding player. Fans' favourite at the Camp Nou where he is a product of the youth academy.