Alaves player profiles

Alaves have stormed into the Uefa Cup final

BBC Sport Online profiles Uefa Cup finalists Deportivo Alaves.

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Martin Herrera
Goalkeeper
Age 31:

Strong keeper who dominates his area, the charismatic Argentine has been a model of consistency since joining in 1999. Won the Zamora award for the goalkeeper with the best record in Spain last season. Had to miss one match this year over doubts about his Italian passport before matter was cleared up.

Kike Burgos
Goalkeeper
Age 29:

Has played just one league game in the last two years since Herrera's arrival, a 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad. Regarded as a good, solid back-up keeper.

Contra being chased by a host of clubs

Cosmin Contra
Defender
Age: 25

A fast, strong, attacking right-back who has attracted the interest of a host of Italian and English clubs this season. A brilliant striker of the ball, the experienced Romanian international is one of the few stars of the team and as dangerous going forward as he is committed in defence.

Dan Eggen
Defender
Age: 31

Versatile Norwegian defender who joined the club from Celta Vigo two seasons back and has shone this year as a composed presence in the backline. Good in the air and a threat at set-pieces, he once scored a goal that knocked Liverpool out of the Uefa Cup - when playing for Brondby in the 95/96 season.

Karmona: A rock in defence

Antonio Karmona
Defender
Age: 33

Powerful centre-back who joined Alaves in 1996. Helped the team to promotion to the top flight in 1998 and is now the club captain. Good in the air and can also set up attacks with his ability to launch clearances towards the forwards but may start on the bench.

Oscar Tellez
Defender
Age: 26

Tall, powerful player who came up with Alaves in 1998, then spent a year at Villarreal before returning last season. Now a regular at centre-back.

Delfi Geli
Defender
Age: 32

Catalan full-back who played for Atletico Madrid for five years, winning the league and cup double in 1996, before a step down the divisions to Albacete. Brought in by Alaves at the start of the season, he has added valuable experience to the defence.

Cruyff: A first-team regular at Alaves

Jordi Cruyff
Midfielder
Age: 27

The Dutch midfielder is enjoying his football again after four frustrating seasons at Manchester United. Plays deeper and in a more central role than when he came to attention as an exciting winger for Barcelona. Will relish the battle with United's arch-rivals Liverpool.

Ibon Begona
Midfielder
Age: 27

Basque midfielder who moved from the Athletic Bilbao B team to Alaves in 1997. Enjoyed his first taste of first division football following promotion that season and has been first choice on the left side of midfield ever since.

Pablo
Midfielder
Age: 30

Local hero in his second spell with 'El Glorioso' and one of Mane's favourites. Considered one of the most gifted players in the club's history. His ability to score goals from midfield has proved invaluable. Will likely be in the starting line-up if coach Mane opts for a five-man midfield and Javi Moreno as a lone striker.

Tomic: Hardworking midfielder

Ivan Tomic
Midfielder
Age: 25

The Yugoslav had a couple of seasons at Roma without too much success before moving on loan to Alaves at the start of this year. Has been an influential figure in the current success story, organising the play impressively, and was rewarded with his first international cap this year.

Hermes Desio
Midfielder
Age: 31

Argentine who had spells at Celta Vigo and Salamanca before finding his way to Alaves in 1997. Another of the players still remaining from the promotion season and an absolute fixture in the starting line-up.

Mauricio Astudillio
Midfielder
Age: 23

Talented Argentine who can be a great ball-winner at the heart of the midfield and also has an eye for a quick pass.

Jorge Azkoitia
Midfielder
Age: 27

Attacking Basque midfielder who has played as a substitute in most European games this season. An excellent squad player in his fifth year at the club.

Moreno tops scoring charts

Javi Moreno
Forward
Age: 26

Moreno has been the revelation for Alaves this season, with 21 league goals - 20 more than in his first spell at the club from 1997-98. Quick and strong, he has shown an unerring eye for goal this term and will be the focal point of all Alaves attacks against Liverpool.

Ivan Alonso
Forward
Age: 22

Uruguayan-born striker who took his chance well when Moreno was injured, scoring in both legs of the 9-2 aggregate semi-final win over Kaiserslautern as well as in the shock fourth round success over Inter Milan.

Magno Mocelin
Forward
Age: 27

Brazilian forward who usually features as a substitute. Scored in the 5-1 first leg semi-final win against Kaiserslautern that really got the team believing this could be their year.

Vucko: Scored some important goals

Jurica Vucko
Forward
Age: 24

Talented Croatian forward and another player who has weighed in with goals at key times in Europe, against both Rayo Vallecano in the quarter-finals and Kaiserslautern in the semis.