Position: Midfielder
Born: 01.08.84
Club: Bayern Munich

Bastian Schweinsteiger is one of Germany's most gifted young talents; at the age of just 21 he has already solidified his place in the Bayern Munich team.

The creative midfielder was runner up in the player of the year vote for the Bavarian giants last season and commands the No 7 shirt for Germany.

Schweinsteiger, who signed for Bayern on his 14th birthday, has risen through the ranks and quickly arrived on the international, making his debut at the age of 19.

With over 20 caps to his name already and no stranger to the scoresheet, Schweinsteiger is now a consistent starter for his country and scored in the Third/Fourth place play-off at the Confederations Cup against Mexico to help seal a 4-3 win.

Schweinsteiger caught ex-Germany manager Rudi Voller's eye in the European Under-21 Championship and was subsequently included in the Euro 2004 squad and played in all three group games.

Although he showed his potential in Portugal, Schweinsteiger now has the ability to become one of the stars of the World Cup. Klinsman will be relying on Schweinsteiger's creativity to make sure the Germans don't disappoint.