Such has been the impact of Walter Samuel in Argentina's progress to the World Cup, it is difficult to believe the Roma defender only recently turned 24.

He has stood out in Serie A and on the international stage as a rock in the centre of defence for a number of seasons now.

He has an ability to cut out the world's best forwards and rapidly turn defence into attack.

And he has enough assurance to marshal even the more experienced Robert Ayala at the back.