The defender they call 'Los' has been a rock solid member of this USA defence since 2003 and he confirmed his worth to Bob Bradley's squad as he performed superbly in 15 of the country's 2010 World Cup qualifiers, scoring a couple of goals for good measure.

At home in the heart of the defence or at left back, Bocanegra is a powerful leader of this USA side and acts as the eyes and ears of the coach on the field. He has proved his worth at the top level in European club football over the last six years, first with Fulham in England and now in the French league with Rennes.

Californian-born Bocanegra has been a USA international since making his debut against South Korea in December 2001, after emerging a star at the World Youth Championships a couple of years before. He is a veteran of the 2006 World Cup finals campaign and believes his nation can make their mark this summer. "I like the direction we are headed with this squad and we can cause some surprises in South Africa," he said.