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Several of the sides set to line up in South Africa for the eighth FIFA Confederations Cup boast players that any team in world soccer would be proud to call their own. Indeed, picking a top five is a subjective and restrictive process, which has ultimately excluded the not inconsiderable talents of players including Everton's Tim Howard, AC Milan's young Brazilian star, Pato, and Italy's legendary shot stopper, Gianluigi Buffon.

Kaka

The former world player of the year is set to start for a Brazil side full of natural attacking prowess. To remain the heartbeat of a side as skilful as this one simply points to the natural ability of this man. Kaka's eye for spotting a pass considered downright impossible by your average international midfielder, makes him a dangerous prospect for any defence.

Xavi Hernandez

Lionel Messi may have stolen the headlines for Barcelona this season but without the vision and creativity of Xavi, the Spanish side's trophy cabinet may not be bulging quite as much as it is now. In Xavi's case, the stats really do speak for themselves. During Euro 2008, the midfielder played a total of 254 passes, managing an impressive success rate of 89% and more than justifying his title as player of the championship.

Spain are, unsurprisingly given the wealth of talent at their disposal, currently favorites to win the tournament and are available to back at odds of [2.62] in the winner's market.

Amr Zaki

Egypt star, Amr Zaki, has experienced mixed fortunes this season in the English Premier League. At times, his significant physical presence which, thankfully for Wigan fans, failed to diminish his pace, and stinging shot made him a nightmare for Premier League defenders across England.

Poor discipline may have cast a shadow over Zaki's career to date but he remains a force to be contended with and, if Egypt are to qualify from a group which also includes Italy and Brazil, they'll need this man to perform (Egypt are currently available to back at odds of [2.8] in the Group B To Qualify market).

Steven Pienaar

A player who, on paper at least, may look out of place among tried and tested players such as Kaka and Xavi (at least in terms of experience competing at the top level), Pienaar is a player who prefers to answer his critics on the pitch. His combative performances in midfield for Everton help explain why the club reached the FA Cup Final and finished behind only Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal in the Premier League.

South Africa can currently be backed at odds of [21.0] to win the tournament and they may be worth a hopeful outside punt, particularly since the team failed to qualify for next year's African Nations Cup and, as such, will be keen to secure as much competitive soccer as possible before the 2010 World Cup.

Fernando Torres

Liverpool surprised the large majority of English Premier League followers this season when they emerged as the main title contenders alongside eventual winners, Manchester United. Had it not been for the injury problems suffered by Fernando Torres for large parts of the campaign, Liverpool (available to back at odds of [4.2] in the 2009/10 Premier League Winner's Market) may have emerged victorious in more than just the domestic league.

Torres' pace and poise with the ball at his feet is second to none and the same applies to the stunning accuracy and consistency of his finishing touch in front of goal.