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#WorldCupRank: No. 44 Dani Alves

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caption:Dani Alves' speed and work rate makes him a threat to opponents at the World Cup
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No. 44 Dani Alves, Barcelona/Brazil

Why he's ranked: Alves claimed a host of major trophies after arriving at Barcelona just in time to be part of their all-conquering trophy-winning team under Pep Guardiola's guidance. But his successes at club level will be trumped if he helps Brazil win the World Cup on home soil this summer. Now 30, he remains a threat bursting forward down the flanks, while his pass completion rate is always impressive.

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Key stat: Has scored at least one goal for his club in every season since becoming a regular at Sevilla 2003-04.

What the experts say: "Considered by many to be the best right-back in the world. His ability to attack and position himself to be able to score are his main characteristics." - Carlos Zafra, ESPN Deportes

Talented wing-backs have been a top Brazilian export for ages and Dani Alves is no exception. But he is certainly more than that, since he can become a world-class winger when he goes into attack mode, and he can also be extremely accurate assisting his strikers. Didn't have the best of seasons with Barcelona, but he is still a key player for Brazil. - Damian Didonato, ESPN Argentina

What You Think:

Other articles:
- ESPN FC Blogs: Brazil
- The countdown: Our Top 50 players of the World Cup

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