Widely regarded by many as one of the best fullbacks of a generation, our readers rightly decided that Philipp Lahm, stalwart of Bayern Munich, makes it on to our #Talking XI.
You chose him, we found a picture of him levitating.
What can you say about Philipp Lahm that hasn’t already been said? Yes he’s pint-sized and yes his haircut lacks the creative flamboyance we are so used to seeing in today’s modern game. However, what he lacks in style or height, he makes up for in an abundance of talent. Let us take you back to the World Cup of 2006, aged only 23 and coming back from injury he ignited the whole tournament with a right-footed screamer of a goal in the first match against Costa Rica.
Ever since, he’s never looked back. Captaining a Munich and German national team is no easy feat, but he has managed both duties impeccably. For several seasons he spent his time on the left side of the pitch covering for other players injuries, but in the last two seasons struck a rapport with Arjen Robben dominating the German league with much ease.
His ability to dribble, keep possession and marshal around the back-four stands out. His pace is still excellent and whilst he isn’t the greatest reader of the game, he rarely finds himself out of position. He is reliable, talented and extremely consistent. One silly statistic is that Lahm has played in over 500 consecutive games for club and country!
The fans voted and no one really pushed him hard, but Bayern Munich and Germany stalwart is our #TalkingXI right back.
Here’s some of the experts and voters telling us why:
“F*****g awesome! Mentality as captain/player not world-class, but technically among the best full-backs in the world.” – Kit Holden, The Independent and bundesligafanatic.com. @KitHolden
“Couldn’t agree more with Lahm. Model of consistency, captain of Bayern and Germany. Contender for #TalkingXI armband.” – Bob Bell. @albion_bob
“Lahm is no doubt the best in the world. Bayern skipper, quick, strong for a little guy, great tackler and excellent on both feet.” – Steven McDonald. @steve2theizzO
Balu der Bär (@BaluderBr)
/ 12/12/2012“he isn’t the greatest reader of the game”
I don’t agree with you. Lahm’s ability to read a game, is exceptional. He can easily fit into any position, he is asked for. Play as a left back? No problem. Play as a defensive midfielder against England in a friendly match? He was the man of the match.
I think, you should pay more attention to his game. Maybe you will be suprised, what you will see