A serious knee injury derailed this speedy performer during the most recent domestic season in Scotland, but he is back to his best in good time for this South African adventure and Team USA will look to him to provide some spark in their midfield.

He started his professional career with Toronto and was named MLS Rookie of the Year for 2007, bringing him to the attention of several European suitors. Edu opted to start his career 'across the pond' in Scotland with Rangers as he sealed a £2.6 million deal last summer. He secured iconic status at his new club when he scored an injury-time winner in the epic Old Firm showdown against Celtic in February.

A tough tackler and comfortable on the ball, Edu is at home in the midfield and can also slot in at centre back when required. That versatility may just come in very useful for USA coach Bob Bradley in South Africa this summer.

Strengths: A powerful attacking player who can push forward as well as help out in the back.

Weaknesses: Right now, a lack of action.

Career high: His selection as the first pick by Toronto in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft and winning the league's rookie of the year award that season.

Career low: Still rehabbing after undergoing a successful operation to repair knee ligament damage.

Style: A fearless speedster who can track a lot of ground.

Quotes: "Even when I hurt my knee, I just thought it was a little injury, and I had been looking forward to the [Scottish] Cup final and winning the double. I'm glad we went on to get it, but it would have been nice to have been part of that, and missing out was a setback." -- Edu, July 2009.

Trivia: A basketball fan growing up, Edu lists Michael Jordan as one of his childhood heroes.

Soccernet says: If not for the knee injury, Edu would be a lock to make the team. As long as he's healthy, he's likely to be on the World Cup roster and challenge Ricardo Clark for the starting defensive midfielder spot once he regains his match fitness.