New Zealand manager Ricki Herbert has singled out captain Ryan Nelsen as the inspiration for his sides great form in the World Cup thus far.

The All Whites held reigning world champions Italy to a draw overnight to make it two points from two group stage matches and Herbert was full of praise for his skipper's leadership and commitment.

"I'm always a bit loathe to [single anyone out], because I think this team has been built on that foundation, but we have a wonderful captain. Ryan's relationship, communication, application to the team has been second to none," he said.

"He's extremely inspirational. He's got two extremely talented young players (Winston Reid and Tommy Smith) who have had just two or three international fixtures playing alongside him that have really grown. That's compliments to his ability to engage them."

And Herbert added that it was Nelsen's influence that had a calming affect over the rest of the playing group.

"You only have to see the dressing room. There's no egos, there's no issues. They are very competitive, and I'd be disappointed if they weren't. It's a unique team. I've never seen a team like this," he said.

"The boys are enjoying this, but there is a real sense of knowing that we only have four days to get ready for Paraguay. That's our challenge. We aren't getting carried away with this."