Finals squads penpix

LIVERPOOL PENPIX
By Andy Hampson, PA Sport

GOALKEEPERS

Jose Reina

DOB: 31/08/82

Nationality: Spanish

Signed from: Villarreal, July 2005

Has found a high level of consistency since joining the club last summer, helping the club to a record number of clean sheets during the campaign. Benefits from the protection of a rock-solid defence and has only occasionally shown vulnerability.

Jerzy Dudek

DOB: 23/03/73

Nationality: Polish

Signed from: Feyenoord, August 2001

Became a club legend after his Champions League final heroics last season but boss Rafael Benitez has shown little sentiment and used him sparingly this term. Still believes he has something to offer the club but has proved error prone in the past and may have to accept it is time to move on.

DEFENDERS

3 Steve Finnan

DOB: 20/04/76

Nationality: Irish

Signed from: Fulham, July 2003

Has removed all doubts over his ability in the past 18 months to command a regular place in the back four with his consistent performances. Has renewed threat for his place from Jan Kromkamp but is reliable both in defence and when going forward.

Sami Hyypia

DOB: 07/10/73

Nationality: Finnish

Signed from: Willem II, May 1999

Back to his best this season as Liverpool have proved one of the toughest defences in the country to crack. May lack pace but makes up for that by being such a commanding presence. Authoritative and now vastly experienced.

Jamie Carragher

DOB: 28/01/78

Nationality: English

Signed from: Trainee, August 1994

Probably Liverpool's best player last season and again outstanding this term. A highly dedicated professional who never gives less than 100% and rarely lets the side down. Solid, ever-dependable performer who should be part of England's World Cup defensive plans.

John Arne Riise

DOB: 24/09/80

Nationality: Norwegian

Signed from: Monaco, June 2001

Provides dangerous attacking outlet down the left whether fielded in defence or midfield and has a lethal shot. Likely to feature at left-back with Harry Kewell in such good form in midfield. Scored the opener in semi-final win over Chelsea.

Stephen Warnock

DOB: 12/12/81

Nationality: English

Signed from: Trainee, July 2002

One of the few products of Liverpool's Academy to have graduated to the first-team squad in recent seasons. A workmanlike left-back who pushed himself onto the fringes of the England picture earlier in the season.

Djimi Traore

DOB: 01/03/80

Nationality: French

Signed from: Laval, February 1999

Gangly left-back who remains a firm fixture in the squad despite his numerous lapses of concentration and nervous mistakes. Can tackle cleanly and has pace but his attempts to clear do not always inspire confidence.

Dan Agger

DOB: 12/12/84

Nationality: Danish

Signed from: Brondby, January 2006

Brought in as a potential long-term replacement for Hyypia in January but is yet to establish himself in the side. Liverpool have not paid £5.8million to hold him in reserve but Benitez is unlikely to break up the successful Hyypia-Carragher partnership yet.

Jan Kromkamp

DOB: 17/08/80

Nationality: Dutch

Signed from: Villarreal, January 2006

Adds strength to Liverpool's defensive resources but has not had much chance to shine due to the consistency of Finnan. Injury has not helped though and he will have to wait until next season for the chance of a decent run.

MIDFIELDERS

Steven Gerrard

DOB: 30/05/80

Nationality: English

Signed from: Trainee, August 1998

Liverpool's talisman will hope to get his hands on another trophy after famously inspiring the club to Champions League glory last year. Has once again been outstanding all season, as dynamic in attack and committed in defence as ever, and must surely now be considered for the club's greatest ever XI.

Dietmar Hamann

DOB: 27/08/73

Nationality: German

Signed from: Newcastle, July 1999

Another Istanbul hero who continues to serve the club with great distinction. Could have left Anfield last summer but Benitez was keen to keep him and his continuing reliability shows why. Although not necessarily a first choice, he is a tough character and important squad member.

Xabi Alonso

DOB: 25/11/81

Nationality: Spanish

Signed from: Real Sociedad, August 2004

Technically excellent Spain international whose passing range allows him to dictate games when given space. Running into peak form at just the right time and complements Gerrard well. Netted twice in the third-round tie against Luton, one of which was from inside his own half.

Mohamed Sissoko

DOB: 22/01/85

Nationality: Malian

Signed from: Valencia, July 2005

Recovered from a potentially serious eye injury earlier this year to help Liverpool to the final. Has not had the smoothest of first seasons at Anfield - the injury aside - but he has shown potential. Offers plenty of energy that he is now harnessing to better effect than earlier in the campaign.

Harry Kewell

DOB: 22/09/78

Nationality: Australian

Signed from: Leeds, July 2003

Has completed a remarkable transformation from villain to hero this season. Reached the nadir of his career - in personal terms - when he was booed off by Liverpool fans in the Champions League final but has responded by getting fit and finally producing the goods Gerard Houllier wanted from him three years ago.

STRIKERS

Peter Crouch

DOB: 30/01/81

Nationality: English

Signed from: Southampton, July 2005

Has had his critics this season but his performances would have been better appreciated had he been playing alongside a reliable partner. Has worked hard in his first Liverpool season and has contributed a reasonable share of goals.

Fernando Morientes

DOB: 05/04/76

Nationality: Spanish

Signed from: Real Madrid, January 2005

Big disappointment since his move from Real Madrid. After having the second half of last season to settle in, much was expected this term but has has largely failed to deliver. Is a proven goalscorer but for some reason the Premiership has not suited him.

Djibril Cisse

DOB: 12/08/81

Nationality: French

Signed from: Auxerre, July 2004

Another under-performing big-money signing who may find himself looking for another club this summer. Recovered from a badly-broken leg to regain his place but has fired only sporadically and has not won the trust of Benitez. Offers pace in abundance but has lacked competence in front of goal.

WEST HAM PENPIX
By Andy Hampson, PA Sport

GOALKEEPERS

Shaka Hislop

DOB: 22/02/69

Nationality: Trinidadian

Signed from: Portsmouth, July 2005

Veteran who returned for a second spell at the club after they won promotion last summer. Has featured prominently with Roy Carroll and Jimmy Walker both suffering injuries. Will play in the World Cup this summer with Trinidad and Tobago.

Jimmy Walker

DOB: 09/07/73

Nationality: English

Signed from: Walsall, June 2004

Came into the side towards the end of last season to help secure promotion but his hopes of playing Premiership football this term have largely been dashed by injury. Will probably have a bench role in Cardiff. Was embarrassed a couple of times by Djibril Cisse in the recent league match against Liverpool.

DEFENDERS

Anton Ferdinand

DOB: 18/02/85

Nationality: English

Signed from: Trainee, December 2002

Another highly impressive youngster to roll off the West Ham production line, Ferdinand looks to have a bright future. The World Cup may come too soon but he seems certain to follow brother Rio into the England side sooner rather than later.

James Collins

DOB: 23/08/83

Nationality: Welsh

Signed from: Cardiff, July 2005

Formed a solid central defensive partnership with the more experienced Danny Gabbidon at Cardiff from which West Ham now benefit after signing both players last year. Missed the opening games of the season as Ferdinand and Gabbidon started but is now well established.

Danny Gabbidon

DOB: 08/08/79

Nationality: Welsh

Signed from: Cardiff, July 2005

Cultured player who has relished the step up from the Championship with West Ham. Is now an established international and has looked a smart signing by manager Alan Pardew. A knee injury has been his only setback this term.

Paul Konchesky

DOB: 15/05/81

Nationality: English

Signed from: Charlton, July 2005

Hardly made the best of starts to his Hammers career when he was sent off on his second appearance but it proved a minor setback. His speed and strong tackling, as a left-back, central defender or midfielder, has caught the eye and he was in England contention last November.

Lionel Scaloni

DOB: 16/05/78

Nationality: Argentinian

Signed from: On loan from Deportivo La Coruna

Brought into the squad as a replacement for Tomas Repka, who left Upton Park in January. Provides back-up but is only on loan until the end of the season.

Clive Clarke

DOB: 14/01/80

Nationality: Irish

Signed from: Stoke, July 2005

Joined West Ham as back-up for Konchesky at left-back. Confidently described himself as one of the better players in the Championship last season but has hardly had chance to prove himself at Premiership level due to injury.

MIDFIELDERS

Yossi Benayoun

DOB: 05/05/80

Nationality: Israeli

Signed from: Racing Santander, July 2005

Exciting creative player who has brought dynamism and a couple of spectacular goals to the West Ham midfield. Had attracted interest from Everton, Newcastle and Bolton before opting for Upton Park on the recommendation of former Hammer Eyal Berkovic.

Nigel Reo-Coker

DOB: 14/05/84

Nationality: English

Signed from: Wimbledon, January 2004

Lifted the play-off trophy at the Millennium Stadium last year but could hardly have expected the chance to get his hands on the FA Cup so soon. A sprightly midfielder whose maturity has made him a good captain.

Matthew Etherington

DOB: 14/08/81

Nationality: English

Signed from: Tottenham, August 2003

Dangerous winger who has found a home at West Ham after a frustrating spell with Tottenham. Found his feet back at the lower level with the Hammers and has made the step up well. Has pace to worry defenders.

Shaun Newton

DOB: 20/08/75

Nationality: English

Signed from: Wolves, March 2005

Experienced campaigner who joined the Hammers to assist their promotion push. Can be quick and has a menacing delivery. Has not yet scored many for the Londoners but does have a reputation for netting useful goals from midfield.

Carl Fletcher

DOB: 07/04/80

Nationality: Welsh

Signed from: Bournemouth, August 2004

Has found chances limited due to the form of Mullins and Reo-Coker but is a useful central midfielder. A good passer of the ball with a liking for getting forward.

FORWARDS

Marlon Harewood

DOB: 25/08/79

Nationality: English

Signed from: Nottingham Forest, November 2003

Has hit form in the latter half of the season and etched his name into Hammers folklore with the semi-final winner against Middlesbrough. A pacy forward who has also operated on the right of midfield, Harewood, the star of the promotion campaign, has adjusted well to the top flight.

Dean Ashton

DOB: 24/11/83

Nationality: English

Signed from: Norwich, January 2006

Made an immediate impression after his mid-season move from Norwich with five goals in his first seven games. Talk of making a bid for a World Cup spot may have been fanciful but he is a more than handy striker who proved his worth in the Premiership with Norwich last year.

Bobby Zamora

DOB: 16/01/81

Nationality: English

Signed from: Tottenham, February 2004

Capped a fine 2004-05 by scoring the goal that secured promotion in the play-off final. Goals and chances have been fewer this season but has provided useful back-up to Harewood and Sheringham.

Teddy Sheringham

DOB: 02/04/66

Nationality: English

Signed from: Portsmouth, July 2004

Former England international who continues to excel at the age of 40 and has another season of top-flight football to look forward to. Still as wily as ever even though he may not play the full 90 minutes much these days. Won the FA Cup with Manchester United in 1999.

Yaniv Katan

DOB: 27/01/81

Nationality: Israeli

Signed from: Maccabi Haifa, January 2006

Speedy striker or attacking midfielder signed for £100,000 in the January transfer window. Caught the eye in his homeland but is yet to make his mark in the Premiership.

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