World Cup veteran Fernando Hierro has been one of his country's most consistent performers over the last decade.

The tournament in the Far East will be the fourth World Cup for Hierro, who has been with Real Madrid since 1989.

An experienced defensive power-house, Hierro is also sometimes deployed in midfield.

His normal role is in central defence and his comfort on the ball means he is adept at controlling possession from the back.

Another quality he adds to both Real and Spain is his ability to get on the scoresheet on a regular basis.

Amazingly he is Spain's all-time leading scorer having eclipsed Emilio Butragueno's tally of 26 goals.

He is dangerous from set pieces and has taken penalties for Real.

However, at 34, he is now past his prime and is not guaranteed a start. Questions have started to be raised over his pace and composure.