The Midfield Fuhrer

Philipp Lahm has always been a delight to watch. Captain of the German National Team and the high flying Bayern Munich, Lahm is considered one of the best full-backs in the world, and was included in the World Cup team of the tournament in 2006 and 2010, the UEFA Team of the Tournament in 2008 and 2012 and in the FIFA Team of the Year 2008. He has a resume that will easily count him among the best full backs to have played this game. But this season he has completely reinvented himself in a new position- The Central Midfield position.

Bayern Munich 2.0 is in and Pep Guardiola is the architect behind it. An injury to Javi Martinez made him switch ‘the most cleverest player he has ever coached’ to this unfamiliar position. However such has been his impact in his new found position ,it has led to people discussing whether he should establish himself in his new found position. Xavi recently commented that Lahm has the attributes to be a top midfielder. However German National Team coach Joachim Low refused to get into this discussion by saying that Lahm is the best full back in the world. May be he doesn’t want to loose out on a full back since he has a midfield already crowded with top players. He would prefer Lahm to play in the full back position as that would help be in the right shape before next year’s World Cup Final in Brazil.

It would be interesting to see whether Pep would put Lahm back in the full back role if Javi Martinez returns to the first team. Rafinha who has been promoted to the full back position also has been impressive. It would be a difficult situation for Pep to handle. For Lahm he has added another dimension to his versatility. Having played as a right and left sided full back, his success in his new position shows he can excel in any position you put him. Surely any coach would love to have him in his squad.