May 12, 2002

BUENOS AIRES, May 12 (AFP) -- Key players for Group F contenders Argentina at World Cup:

JUAN SEBASTIAN VERON
Age: 26
Position: Midfielder
Club: Manchester United (Eng)
A revelation at France '98, where despite his youth, he outshone his peers, Veron should be at the peak of his powers in Japan this summer.
His first season in the English Premiership with Manchester United has not quite matched his 28.1 million pounds price tag, but despite his unwillingness to track back and defend, his technical skills going forward are a joy to watch.
He has more responsibility for Argentina than is generally asked of him at United, and a large percentage of the team's attacking play are prompted by his quick footwork and searching passes.
Dangerous at free-kicks, Veron, nicknamed the 'Little Witch' can weave his magic when there is a chance of a direct strike at goal.
Former clubs include Boca Juniors, Sampdoria, Parma and Lazio.

GABRIEL BATISTUTA
Age: 33
Position: Forward
Club: Roma (Ita)
Scorer of four goals at USA '94 and five at France '98, Batistuta is arguably the greatest finisher in the world over the past decade.
Despite his excellent form for Roma, with whom he won the Italian title in his first season, 'Batigol' was barely used in Argentina's qualifying campaign.
But, as usual, when he played, he scored, collecting five goals from as many appearances.
Batistuta, whose former clubs include River Plate, Boca Juniors and Fiorentina, has become increasingly prone to niggling injuries, which have affected his sharpness this season.
That could be just the excuse for coach Marcelo Bielsa needs to ditch his veteran striker.
But with a superb goalscoring record at every level, Batistuta deserves to end his international career on a high.

ROBERTO AYALA
Age: 29
Position: Defender
Club: Valencia (Spa)
A rock at the heart of the Argentine defence, Ayala missed just one of the team's World Cup qualifiers to take the number of his international appearances beyond the 75 mark.
Ayala, who played in every one of Argentina's games at the 1998 World Cup in France, has been a consistent performer for Valencia.
He was a Champions League runner-up with the Spanish club in his first season having struggled to make an impact in Italy with AC Milan.
Although not the tallest defender around, Ayala makes up for his lack of height with superb technique and his quick reading of the game.
England's Michael Owen gave him a hard time at France '98, but it is unlikely Ayala will be caught out again when the teams meet in Sapporo on June
Continually linked with a move to Manchester United, it's not difficult to see why Old Trafford boss Alex Ferguson would see the stylish stopper as an ideal addition to his squad.