When Joachim Loew names his squad for South Africa 2010, Bayer Leverkusen striker Stefan Keissling will expect to be confirmed as having a seat on the plane for the World Cup. A great 2009/10 campaign has brought him right into the frame for a starting place.

 

The 26 year-old is a relative novice in international terms but has a proven ability to score goals and in a German team that always manages to find its way into the latter stages of tournaments, goals are everything. He started his senior career at Nuremburg in 2001 and scored 15 goals in 73 games. However, his potential was spotted and he moved to Leverkusen where he has made a significant impact. In 2009/10 he was the top German striker in the Bundesliga with 21 goals, one behind top scorer Edin Dzeko.

He made his international debut in 2007 but despite winning few caps since his presence in the box and superb domestic form will make Keissling a major asset to the German attack during the summer. At 190cm, Keissling will trouble most defenders and with the chances that Germany will create he could well be one of the stars of South Africa 2010.