In most teams there is a figure who provides leadership, a calming influence or inspiration.
For Tottenham Hotspur, Ledley King does all three. His absence has been keenly felt by the club no matter which international Harry Redknapp brings in to replace him in the centre of the defence.
King's attributes should earn him a place in England's World Cup finals squad if he is fit, according to his club manager.
Which is why Redknapp is expected to risk his captain against Arsenal tonight for a game as crucial as any his side have played this season.
King has not played since February, with a thigh injury adding to the chronic knee problem that means he can barely train before games and rarely plays two matches in a week.
He missed Sunday's FA Cup semi-final defeat to Portsmouth with the visit of Arsenal in mind.
The prospect of Robin van Persie returning to the Gunners side and the suspension of Wilson Palacios, a defensive midfield shield for Spurs, has meant Redknapp needs his King for a day.
Peter Crouch, the Spurs striker, knows what a lift it will be to have King back in the side.
"To me, Ledley's top class," he told reporters last week. "I've known him and played with him since I was 12. I was here as a kid and Ledley was in my youth team so I know how good he is.
"When he's fit and playing every week, which is very difficult to do, he's right up there with the best. He's got everything really."
King has played just 15 games in this campaign and that demonstrates the strength at Spurs as they have challenged for the top four in the league and reached the FA Cup semi-finals and last eight of the Carling Cup.
Crouch, who helped Liverpool to the Champions League final in 2007, feels this squad is good enough to take on Europe's best.
"I do, without a doubt," he said. "When I walked in here the first day, it hadn't really hit me how good the team was. The first training session, the standard was frightening. Much the same as at Liverpool."
@Email:akhan@thenational.ae
Veere di Wedding
Dir: Shashanka Ghosh
Starring: Kareena Kapoo-Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Swara Bhaskar and Shikha Talsania
Verdict: 4 Stars
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The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 194hp at 5,600rpm
Torque: 275Nm from 2,000-4,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Price: from Dh155,000
On sale: now
Autumn international scores
Saturday, November 24
Italy 3-66 New Zealand
Scotland 14-9 Argentina
England 37-18 Australia
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The specs
Engine: 2-litre or 3-litre 4Motion all-wheel-drive Power: 250Nm (2-litre); 340 (3-litre) Torque: 450Nm Transmission: 8-speed automatic Starting price: From Dh212,000 On sale: Now
The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE
Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega
Director: Tim Burton
Rating: 3/5
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Greatest of All Time
Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan
Apple product price list
iPad Pro
11" - $799 (64GB)
12.9" - $999 (64GB)
MacBook Air
$1,199
Mac Mini
$799
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