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 Bayern Munich Player Profiles
GoalkeeperOliver Kahn , 29. Worked his way to Germany's No. 1 with sheer perseverance. Probably not the most talented but soccer obsessed, sometimes gets carried away by his enthusiasm. Prone to rare but fatal mistakes. SweeperLothar Matthaeus , 38. Has silenced skeptics with a very strong season. The veteran is not the fastest any mre, but his experience, vision and laser-sharp long passing remain a marvel to watch. One goal this season.DefendersMarkus Babbel , 26. Has had a mixed season, both with the national team and Bayern Munich. Tall but awkward and slow sometimes, has not inspired confidence inrecent months. One goal in league, one in Champions Cup.Sammy Kuffour , 22. The young Ghanaian has secured a place in the starting 11 under coach Ottmar Hitzfeld. Plenty of skill and ball control, very athletic, but his inexperience sometimes leads to frightful errors. Good in the air. MidfieldersThomas Strunz , 31. From laughing stock last season and an almost certain departure from the club, the blond-dyed midfielder has revived his career under Hitzfeld. Fast runs on the right side, can deliver good crosses, shoots well with his right. Four goals this season.Jens Jeremies , 25. A tireless runner who probably covers the greatest distance during match of all Bayern players. Has progressed into a German international. Considered as likely successor to Matthaeus. Very valuable when he remembers to tame his temper. One goal this season. Stefan Effenberg , 30. Often considered Bayern's key player and the biggest contributor to its successes this season. One player coach Hitzfeld rarely rests. The chief playmaker, the creative brain in the midfield, Effenberg has matured from a gifted but eccentric and inconsistent talent into the undisputed leader on the field. Eight goals, four in Champion Cup. Hasan Salihamidzic , 22. The Bosnian international is likely to play on the left side, in the role usually given to French World Cup star Bixente Lizarazu, who is injured. Very good dribbler, becoming more of a team player and can score decisive goals. Unpredictable, hard to mark. Three goals, 2 in CC. ForwardsMario Basler , 30. Probably Bayern's most creative player, with ability to score brilliant goals (on Saturday, scored directly on a corner kick), especially from free kicks. Often lacks stamina and fitness, but appears to be in shape. Mercurial, can be a match winner on a given day. Can also be a spectacular flop. Four goals, 3 in CC.Carsten Jancker , 24. Big, burly, fear-inspiring striker, not subtle in tackling. Tough in the air, the shaven-headed striker has a delicate touch for a man his size. Uses both feet, can create his own chances, scores from impossible situations and has become the man for important goals with the injury of Giovane Elber. A key player. 13 goals, 3 CC. Alexander Zickler , 25. Often overlooked, but a good contributor. Usually on the bench, but has secured place as a starter since the injury of Giovane Elber, the Brazilian. Fast, knows how to beat offside traps. Seven goals, 1 CC.
Key substitutesAli Daei , 30. Iranian World Cup star, the striker has been unable to become a regular starter in the star-studded Bayern lineup. But has retained stoic calm and has scored six goals off the bench.Mehmet Scholl , 28. Very talented, very skillful and very prone to injuries. Missed a large part of the season but is coming back. Very good dribbler, shoots free kicks well, good passer. Three goals. Key AbsenteesBixente Lizarazu , 29. The French World Cup star has been one of the pillars of the Bayern team until he got knocked out for the season with a knee injury. Hard to replace on the left flank, where his crosses are sorely missed.Giovane Elber , 26. Like Lizarazu, lost for the season with a knee injury. Often considered Bundesliga's best plaer. The spectacular Brazilian led Bayern with 13 goals (2 in CC) and was one star Hitzfeld usually never rested. His absence is a big handicap. |
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