Team Europe: Player-by-player guide

Nicolas ColsaertsForm guide: Has made huge strides since 2009 when he started the season on the European Challenge Tour without a category. Captured the biggest title of his career when defeating Graeme McDowell in the final of the Volvo World Matchplay earlier this season and has managed 10 top-10 finishes on the European Tour this season.

Peter HansonForm guide: Had a terrific early start to the year that included a third-place finish behind Bubba Watson in the Masters but exhibited a worrying dip in form in the autumn until a tied seven-place finish in the US PGA revitalised him. Has since won the KLM Dutch Open.

Graeme McDowellForm guide: The hero from Celtic Manor two years ago, McDowell had a great season in the Majors – 12th at Masters, second at US Open, fifth at the British Open, 11th at PGA – but has dipped a little since Kiawah Island. Three weeks away from tournament play has recharged the batteries. "The Ryder Cup such a big deal!"

Luke DonaldForm guide: As consistent as ever, Donald has had eight top-10s in 17 outings on the US Tour this season including a win in the Transitions tournament. Showed his current well-bring with a third-place finish in the Tour Championship.

Justin RoseForm guide: Made a breakthrough win in a WGC event when taking the Cadillac championship earlier this season and, after a quiet summer, stepped things up a gear with a third-place finish in the US PGA. He has three top-five finishes in his last six outings. "One of the things I want to achieve in my career, to win the Ryder Cup."

Ian PoulterForm guide: Always seems to bring his A-game to the Ryder Cup, Poulter hasn't managed a win on tour this season but a third-placed finish in the US PGA – on the back of a ninth-placed finish in the British Open – reaffirmed his ability to deliver on the big occasions.

Lee WestwoodForm guide: Set to join a growing band of Europeans based in the USA, Westwood – who parted ways with long-time coach Pete Cowen last month – shown signs of returning to his best since missing the cut at the US PGA. Has posted top-five finishes in the Barclays and BMW events.

Francesco MolinariForm guide: A top-10 finish in the Irish Open signalled the start of a purple patch in which Molinari followed up with runners-up finishes in the French Open and Scottish Open in successive weeks to nail down his place on the team. Has gone off the boil since then, with only one top-10 in last five outings.

Sergio GarciaForm guide: He's back with a vengeance. Having skirted with an automatic qualifying place for much of the season, Garcia secured his place on the team with a win in the Wyndham Championship – his first in four years on the US Tour – and confirmed his well-being with a tied-third finish in the Barclays. He's raring to go.

Peter LawrieForm guide: A rejuvenated player in recent season, Lawrie has won twice this season – in the Qatar Masters and the recent Johnnie Walker championship – and claimed no fewer than eight top-10 finishes on the European Tour this season. Showed his commitment to making the Ryder Cup team by missing out on the US Open to focus on qualifying. "It's great to be back," he said.

Martin KaymerForm guide: When he captured the Champions tournament at the tail-end of 2011, it looked like he would kick on this season and add a second Major to his US 2010 PGA title. However, three missed cuts in six outings up to the PGA at Kiawah Island led him to take time out to work on his game. Indicated some return to form with a tied-fifth finish in the Italian Open a fortnight ago.

Rory McIlroyForm guide: The hottest player on the planet. Followed up his record-breaking win in the US PGA with a run of tied-24th-1st-1st that featured back-to-back wins in the Deutsche Bank and BMW Championships before finishing tied-10th in last Sunday's Tour Championship. Has sorted out driving issues. "Whoever wants to take me on, can take me on."