Full name: Rubén Baraja Vegas
Date of birth: 11 July 1975
Club:Valencia

Baraja moved from Atlético to Valencia in 2000 when his former club was relegated to the second division. After Mendieta's departure from Valencia, he was a key player along with Aimar in the young team's success in winning the league title in the 2001/02 season, scoring six times in the last eight games.

Agile, tenacious and full of confidence after his club's successful season, Baraja is a dependable player in the centre of midfield who can surprise with flashes of genius. With several players competing for his position he has not played as often for Spain as he should have, but with Guardiola injured he now has an opportunity to establish himself as a first choice in Camacho's starting line-up.