WORLD CUP ONE TO WATCH: Vassilis Torosidis

THIS week's One to Watch in South Africa is one of the most versatile players in world football.

Greece international Vassilis Torosidis can play virtually anywhere across the pitch and is sure to be invaluable to his country when they bid to get out of Group B in the World Cup finals.

We take a closer look at the ultimate utility man.

Name: Vassilis Torosidis

Age: 24

Club: Olympiacos

Position: Right back, can also play: left back, central defender, defensive midfielder, midfielder (centre, left, right), attacking midfielder and supporting striker

Statistics: (Greek Super League & Champions League, 2009/2010):

Appearances: 15, Goals: 3, Assists: 2, Yellow cards: 2

Vassilis Torosidis is a phenomenon of Greek football. The 24-year-old is hugely versatile and regularly plays in different positions both for his club and country. Boasting great energy, a willingness to get forward and strong heading ability, the Olympiacos star is a manager's dream as he can fill in all over the park.

Predominantly an attack-minded right-back, Torosidis has exclusively played on the left side of defence for the Greek national team. Although predominantly right-footed, he has a strong left peg and as a result can cover any position along the backline and in midfield.

In midfield, his strongest position is as a defensive or central midfielder and he has also been used far higher up the pitch, most notably this season under Brazilian coach Zico when he was played behind the strikers.

This versatility could be problematic for Torosidis in the coming years but thanks to his stubborn and fearless play he cannot be left out of the starting XI for either club or country. With Greece in a tough-looking World Cup group against Argentina, Nigeria and South Korea, the Olympiacos star will be a crucial member of Otto Rehhagel's squad in South Africa.

Torosidis started his career at Skoda Xanthi and quickly became one of the most promising players of the club. He was transferred to Olympiacos in January 2007 and managed to take over the right-back position with solid performances. He's one of the most consistent and reliable players in the team.

The 24-year-old relishes the physical battle, in which he usually triumphs. Torosidis is well built, 6ft 1in tall and very strong, he has an aggressive playing style and he rarely loses physical battles in defence. When he plays at the back he is a threat not only running from a deep position but also at set-pieces where he displays remarkable heading ability.

Running at the opposition, Torosidis also displays great technique on the ball. He is a good passer with both feet and the quality of his attacking play was demonstrated most notably by a glorious chip against AEK Athens in September. He scored a brace in a 2-1 win with his other goal scored with his head.

As can be expected of such a quality player who would boost any manager's options, Torosidis has been scouted by a large amount of top European clubs and a transfer to another Champions League side is inevitable. He is contracted to Olympiacos until the end of the 2012/2013 season and currently has a release clause of seven million euros.

The list of clubs linked is long and includes: Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, Bologna, Celtic, Marseille and Parma. During the most recent transfer window, Torosidis was said to be on his way to Liverpool and a move to the Premier League would suit his bustling playing style and strength in the air.

Last year Torosidis admitted: "To tell you the truth, I grow tired of this noise, I have been listening to it from the first six months after I joined Olympiacos." To further fuel the rumours he added: "I believe there isn't a Greek who doesn't want to play abroad. Whoever doesn't admit it is lying."

In 2009/2010, Torosidis has continued to improve, scoring three goals and providing two assists in 15 appearances. His campaign was cut short by around six weeks due to a knee injury but he is closing in on his best goal scoring season since arriving at Olympiacos.

Torosidis is improving season by season and with his versatility could be both a star at the World Cup and then one of the most sought-after players in Europe next summer.

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