“Mr Lahm, I understand that now might be the optimum moment to stand down from international football, after leading Germany to such an immense victory, but please, we still need you…”
This would be the opening sentence of a pressing letter I’m tempted to address to the Deutsche skipper in the hope that I could convince him to stay. However, I should imagine that he has made his decision and probably would not be swayed by a 20-something Brit. But the mere fact that I’m not even German suggests just how much impact he has had on football, at both national and club level. Here’s why Germany still require his prowess.
The 30-year-old has confessed that he has “enjoyed [his] time” as the German captain (The Irish Times, July 2014), but he still holds such a vital role within the team. His 113 efficacious caps for Germany clearly show how necessary a player he has been, and would continue to be, for his country. Based on this alone, he should stay and lead his men to yet more uplifting, cup-lifting victories. Perhaps he has reached the peak of his career, but who will step up to the plate and lead Die Mannschaft now?
It seems that the defensive-midfield position is gradually breaking away from traditional footballing practice, but Lahm has always maintained this spot faultlessly. His 10-year career in a white shirt has been solid throughout, though his ability has proved him an enormously versatile and robust player. Combined with Sami Khedira and Bastian Schweinsteiger, Philipp Lahm has displayed to the world that the line of midfield can be strong and unstoppable regardless of the opposition, but now, will this compact structure crumble? I sincerely pray not. But who will be the player to slot uniformly into this German fabric? Joachim Löw, Germany’s national coach and tactical God, surely has a tricky choice ahead of him.
Lahm is undeniably irreplaceable, but will fortunately not be quitting club football at Bayern Munich in Bavaria. In his international career, he has managed to score 5 goals; this denomination might seem somewhat minimal, or nothing really to flaunt, but in a predominantly midfield capacity, that’s quite a good figure. He has been part of Bayern Munich since before his teenage years, and developed significantly into the captain of their first team, which is also no mean feat.
Despite Germany always being methodical and precise, they still look to a dominant figure to sow the seeds; their quality upfront is insurmountable and they genuinely possess the best goalkeeper the world currently has, Manuel Neuer, but their neat central line is often what keeps it all together. Philipp Lahm is therefore the paramount element required for German success and authority on the pitch and despite an abundance of sublime, exceptional players, there is not another true chief.
So please, German team members, fans, etcetera, beg Lahm to stay and then Germany will always be in safe feet.
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