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The most high profile and highly credentialed player in New Zealand's World Cup squad, Nelsen's experience will be vital as he leads his team-mates to the top echelons of world football. Among the current squad, Blackburn Rovers defender Nelsen is the only man who can claim to have scaled those heights, given he captains a Premier League club. A strong and assured centre back, Nelsen has become a fan favourite at Blackburn. He joined the English side in January 2005, after coming through the college system in the US and claiming a MLS Cup in his last of four years with DC United. On arrival in England, he instantly secured a starting position in a side that finished 6th in the Premier League on the back of its tight defence. He has been a stalwart for Blackburn since, amassing over 100 appearances. Nelsen hasn't always been available for New Zealand, with a series of injuries and club commitments restricting his caps since his debut against Poland in 1999. But on the big occasions, in particular the qualification play-off win over Bahrain, Nelsen has led his country with distinction and combined his role as top-class defender with that of leader of underdog nation with distinction.
Weaknesses: The 32-year-old isn't as fast as he once was, and should contribute more goals as an aerial threat from set pieces. Caree high: Played in the centre of a back three as the spiritual and positional heart of the All Whites as they kept out Bahrain over 180 minutes to qualify for South Africa 2010. Career low: Missed New Zealand's historic 2009 Confederations Cup campaign with a calf tear. Style: Commanding, talismanic, a leader of men. Quotes: "He's just a natural leader. You just look at the guy and you have respect for him. His communication is fantastic ... he's the sort of guy that when you are next to him you feel comfortable because he's been through it and you know he will watch your back and that he will be there for you 100 percent." Fellow All Whites defender Ben Sigmund, November 2009. Trivia: Nelsen is a talented player in one of New Zealand's more popular sports, cricket. Soccernet says: Nelsen is far and away the most important player for New Zealand at South Africa 2010. His quality and leadership will be the key to snatching any unlikely results.
Credit :: Soccernet |
Ryan Nelsen Bio 
Strengths: A quality all-round defender who is proven at the highest level of domestic club football, Nelsen is also a strong leader by word and example whose presence lifts his team-mates.
Full Name Ryan Nelsen
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