If one player could make a major impact on South Africa 2010, it is Wesley Sneijder. The Dutch midfielder currently plying his trade in Serie A with Inter first played for his country in 2003 and is now a regular in the national side.

 

His domestic career started at Ajax for whom he made over 120 appearances and scored over 40 goals after becoming somewhat of a dead ball specialist. He moved to Spain in 2007 when Real Madrid paid over 25 million Euros for his signature. He rewarded them with a debut goal, the winner in the Madrid derby, and helped Real to the La Liga title that season.

It was to be his only season in Spain as he moved to Inter during that summer. However, more success followed and 2009/10 saw Sneijder win both the Serie A and Coppa Italia titles with Jose Mourinho’s side with a Champions League final to come.

South Africa 2010 will be Sneijder’s fourth tournament with the Dutch national side following the World Cup in Germany and Euro 2004 and Euro 2008. A goal-scoring attacking midfielder, Sneijders form may be key to the Netherlands’ chances of progression.