Federico Valverde

Uruguay''s do-it-all midfielder and one of the most complete two-way players in the world. Valverde, 27, covers every blade of grass, defends like a destroyer and unleashes some of the hardest long-range shots in the game. Now a vice-captain at Real Madrid, he gives a tough, talented Uruguay side its tireless engine. He may not be a household name to newcomers, but coaches adore him. For an American comparison, he is the high-motor, sideline-to-sideline linebacker who never leaves the field — and occasionally launches a 30-yard rocket into the top corner.