As Germany recovers from the shock of Michael Ballack’s injury, coach Joachim Loew will look to Bastian Schweinsteiger to fill his captains shoes. At only 25 years old, it is a big responsibility to have but the Bayern Munich midfielder is more than capable of playing a major role in Germany’s campaign.

 

Schweinsteiger made his Munich debut during a UEFA Champions League game in 2002, aged only 18 and set up a goal almost immediately. He has since made himself a regular feature of the Bayern Munich team sheet and has played over 200 games and scored 22 goals.  He has won the German League and Cup double with Bayern on no less than five occasions including 2010 and helped his side to the 2010 UEFA Champions League final.

His international debut for Germany came in 2004 and he was called up to the Euro 2004 squad shortly after playing in the U21 equivalent. Since then he has played over 70 times for his country including taking part in their home World Cup in 2006 and Euro 2008 and has 19 goals to his name. Bastian Schweinsteiger could be a major player in South Africa during the summer.