The highest profile player in the Slovakian squad, the central defender had a poor season hampered by loss of form and fitness as Liverpool limped to seventh place.

But there was enough evidence in Martin Skrtel’s previous 18 months on Merseyside to suggest that he’s a solid and dependable player who gives everything to the cause.

He made an impressive step up to the Premier League when he left Zenit St Petersburg to join the Reds in January 2008, quickly establishing himself as a regular with some dominant displays.

Despite his woes at club level this season, Skrtel played a key role in helping Slovakia qualify for their first World Cup.

Italy are strong favourites to emerge from their pool in South Africa, but the other last 16 slot is wide open. As long as Skrtel reproduces his international form, then Slovakia stand a good chance of sneaking through.