Juan Cuadrado has proved he is dependable in a variety of roles down the right flank for club and country, writes Daryl Hammond.

The Colombia international might've been overshadowed by James Rodriguez at the 2014 World Cup, but still provided four assists and is increasingly versatile.

At Juventus he played in any position down the right, from full-back to attacking prong of a trident.

Now 30 and recovering from an injury that took longer to deal with than expected, Cuadrado can shine in Russia this summer.

Fiorentina midfielder Carlos Sanchez picked up the second-fastest red card in World Cup history during Colombia’s 2-1 defeat to Japan on Tuesday.

Sanchez took just four minutes to be given his marching orders as he deliberately stopped a shot going in with his arm, allowing Shinji Kagawa to score from the penalty spot.

Only Jose Alberto Batista was sent off at a World Cup quicker than the former Aston Villa man, the Uruguayan seeing red just 54 seconds into a World Cup match against Scotland at Mexico 1986.

A stalwart in defence for Napoli, Kalidou Koulibaly will be expected to be equally as reliable for Senegal in Russia, writes Michelle Osei Bonsu.

The centre-back has been a rock for the Partenopei in Serie A this season and is a leader for his national team too.

Senegal are in a very balanced group with Poland - who they face this evening - Colombia and Japan.

That means K2 will be marking the likes of Robert Lewandowski, James Rodriguez, Radamel Falcao and his club teammate Arkadiusz Milik.

Milan defender Cristian Zapata is on the verge of a transfer to Boca Juniors, claim reports in Argentina.

Newspaper Ole maintain the two clubs have already reached an agreement, but Boca must now work out personal terms with Zapata.

The Colombia international centre-back turns 32 in September and is under contract until June 2019.

He rarely gets much playing time, making 20 competitive appearances this season, only 12 of them in Serie A.

Milan defender Cristian Zapata and Juventus’ Juan Cuadrado are in Colombia’s World Cup squad, but Sampdoria namesake Duvan misses out.

Cristian played just 12 times for Milan in Serie A last season, while Duvan scored 11 goals for Samp, yet it is the former who makes the cut.

Cuadrado is also called up, as expected, after helping Juventus to another domestic double, as are Fiorentina’s Carlos Sanchez and Milan’s Carlos Bacca, who enjoyed productive loan spells with Espanyol and Villarreal.

Reports continue to grow that Milan will exchange Portugal international Andre Silva with Monaco veteran Radamel Falcao.

Rossoneri director of sport Massimiliano Mirabelli fuelled the rumours when he attended Colombia’s friendly match against Egypt on Friday evening.

Falcao also told Italian television Mediaset Premium that it was “an honour” to be linked with the San Siro giants.

PSV Eindhoven right-back Santiago Arias denies he had a Juventus medical, but does admit the Bianconeri “would be a dream.”

There had been reports last month that the 26-year-old was on the verge of a transfer to Turin.

“I read that too, but to be honest, when it was written that I was in Turin, I was still in Holland,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport after Colombia’s friendly game against Egypt.

Carlos Bacca admits he has no intention of playing for Milan again, instead preferring to stay in Spain.

The Colombia international spent last season on loan at La Liga side Villarreal, where he scored 18 goals in all competitions.

And speaking after featuting in his country’s World Cup warm-up match with Egypt, the 31-year-old made it clear he wishes to continue his career in Spain despite still having two years remaining on his contract at the San Siro.

Radamel Falcao repeats it is ‘an honour’ to be linked to Milan but insists he is happy at Monaco.

The Colombian forward has been touted for a summer transfer to the Rossoneri.

However, speaking after his country’s goalless draw with Egypt as they continued their World Cup preparations, the 32-year-old said his current thoughts are only on his international side.

“I have already said that it’s an honour they are thinking of me,” Falcao commented.