There is more to his game than simply blistering pace, but that is the quality which Sven-Goran Eriksson most admires.
Could not have dreamt for a better start to his international career when he scored a spectacular acrobatic volley in the 1-1 draw with Holland in February.
Such an immediate impact saw Vassell skip ahead of Andy Cole and Kevin Phillips in the fight for the final striker's berth.
Played well in his second appearance against Italy when his explosive running unsettled one of the best defensive units on the planet.
His performance alongside Michael Owen against Paraguay was good enough to pose the intriguing question that he might be a better choice to start than Emile Heskey.
Drew several free-kicks out of the South American defence in dangerous areas and also got himself on the score sheet again.