Michael Ballack, Chelsea
The young Germany side didn't win the World Cup at home, but they won hearts all over the world with their attacking football. And Captain Ballack led from the front, becoming a global hero from the German icon that he already was, having won the country's player of the year award three times.
And in a Chelsea side packed with midfielders like Frank Lampard, the 29-year-old German will have to be at the top of his game.
Wow!
Photograph: Sean Gallup/Getty Images
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