11.   Newcomer Sasha Victorine from UCLA is expected to get plenty of playing time as a substitute in an attacking midfield role.

12.   This has also allowed Geoff Aunger to assume a supporting midfield role, to which his organizational instincts are suited, and gave defenders a dependable outlet.

13.   Former captain Lothar Matthaeus has ruled himself out and Vogts seems set to pick either Marco Bode or Joerg Albertz for a backup midfield role.

14.   German hopes at the World Cup will rest heavily on how well Ballack performs in his midfield role.

15.   Harkes angered Sampson by refusing to play a defensive midfield role.

16.   He teased the right side of the Fiorentina defense throughout the first half and was switched to a more influential central midfield role for the second.

17.   Matias Almeyda came in for Simeone in the midfield holding role.

18.   When Marcelo Bielsa took over as Argentina coach, Veron was put in the attacking midfield role he relishes.

19.   He fills the midfield role vacated by Desailly.

20.   And David Batty, who was outstanding in his midfield anchor role, will be relishing facing his former club.