Spain 
Xavi is as instrumental for Spain as he is for his club Barcelona. On his day, he is one of the most effective midfield players in world football.
Born in Terrassa, Catalunya, Xavi has spent his entire career with Barca and despite only being 28 he is already fourth in their all-time appearances list.
Xavi joined Barca as an 11-year-old and within seven years he had made his first-team debut and was almost immediately recognised as the long-term successor to legendary midfielder Pep Guardiola - he soon succeeded him as the mainstay of the club's midfield.
The likes of Real Madrid, Chelsea, Internazionale and Milan have been linked with a possible move - but he has two years left on his current contract and has massive buyout clause of over £100million.
Xavi has over 50 caps for Spain, after he made his debut in late 2000. He has since gone to the World Cups in 2002 & 2006 and Euro 2004 with his country.
He was a mainstay of the successful qualifying campaign - featuring in 10 games and scoring a very healthy four goals.
He will be the lynch-pin in the Spanish engine room alongside Cesc Fabregas and Andres Iniesta, and the pressure will be on him to finally inspire his country to a long awaited international success in Austria & Switzerland.
