PLAYER FOCUS: JONAS GUTIERREZ

Playing your football in the second tier of any country’s league system would, you may think, make it difficult to command a spot in a national team. When that team is one of the most successful and talent-filled nations in the world the task appears to get even harder.

None of this is a problem however for Newcastle United left winger Jonas Gutierrez, who consistently commands a spot in Diego Maradona’s team.

The Argentines, under the stewardship of the legendary World Cup winner, may have qualified for this summer’s tournament by the skin of their teeth but the head coach had no qualms picking a man who plies his trade in the English Championship.

For the man nicknamed Spiderman for his trademark goal celebration, Gutierrez's first year at Newcastle was an eventful one. After his transfer from Real Mallorca he saw three different managers at St. James’ Park within a year and despite an impressive debut against Manchester United on the opening day (see video below), it proved to be a less than fruitful campaign that concluded with the devastating blow of relegation from the Premier League.

It was assumed that Gutierrez would leave the Toon Army in search of first team football but his national team boss moved to reassure him that staying at Newcastle would not affect his international career.

Maradona stated openly to the press that the Argentina side was made up of, “Mascherano, Messi, Jonas and eight others,” clearly naming Gutierrez as an integral part of his plans.

Gutierrez repaid the favour telling the world of his joy at being coached by one of his heroes, “What can you say about Maradona? To have him nearby and get instructions from him always motivates you that bit more.” Maradona kept his word, handing Gutierrez a starting spot in each of the crucial remaining qualifiers.

However, with just one international goal, in a friendly against France, and one goal for his club, it’s hard to see exactly what it is that keeps drawing Maradona towards him. With the attacking talents of Athletico Madrid’s Sergio Aguero, Manchester City’s Carlos Tevez and Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Higuain at the his disposal, for what reason does Maradona guarantee a spot to a Championship player ahead of some of European football’s top stars?

Perhaps it’s his determination to get forward at every opportunity, his ability to run with the ball at great pace and his deft first touch. Perhaps it’s that El Diego sees a little of himself in the winger and, with just a little push in the right direction, he can become a key link to supply goals.

On the big stage in South Africa it’ll be a chance to shine, and a chance to show just why his hero has put so much faith in him.

Article by David Kifford, freelance football journalist and regular contributor to "The World Cup".