South Korea - Park Ji-Sung
An integral part of the South Korean team that went all the way to the semi-finals on home turf at the last World Cup, Park Ji-Sung's rise has continued almost unchecked since. From a relative unknown (outside his homeland) plying his trade for Kyoto Purple Sanga, Park has blossomed into an international mainstay now pulling on the famous red and white strip of Manchester United.
A hero in South Korea since netting the goal that booked their place in the second round of the last World Cup - ending Portugal's participation - Park was written off by some as little more than a marketing tool when he made his £4million move from PSV Eindhoven to Old Trafford last summer.
That despite him being a key component in the PSV side that went all the way to the Champions League semi-finals and won the Dutch league and cup double in the 2004-05 season, his last at the Phillips Stadion.
But the midfielder quickly won over the numerous doubters with performances laced with boundless energy and enthusiasm - and no little skill on the ball.
Current Australia boss Guus Hiddink is the man credited with bringing Park on from a promising player to a genuine international talent having coached him with compassion and understanding first with South Korea and then with PSV. The result is a well-rounded footballer who has two good feet - a rarity in the modern game - and the versatility to play in two or three midfield positions, thereby making him a valuable member of both club and international squads.