_With less than two months till the prestigious Ballon D'or winner is announced, every week, I will give my opinion on how each shortlisted candidate has fared in 2014.
Video of Lahm throughout 2014
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mM6zwqKnqFw
Phillipp Lahm
Despite announcing his retirement from international football almost three months ago, there is no doubt that had Lahm decided to continue his captaincy and role for the Germans, he could have arguably played at international level until at least the European championships in 2016. However, with Germany winning the World Cup in such an impressive overall tournament, the crowning of the Germans as World Champions was a terrific way to end the international career of a player who has played at such a consistently high level for ten years.
What kind of player is he?
Lahm is not only blessed with incredible stamina and strong defensive skills, the quiet yet inspiring, 5'7, utility man also possess the ability to frequently influence matches from defensive flanks, thus resulting in Pepe Guardiola's decision to play in central midfield, where he is arguably just as effective.
What has he achieved this season?
Not only has 2014 seen Lahm win Germany's first major trophy in 24 years, Lahm's contributions in helping Bayern Munich reach the Champions League semi finals, win the Bundesliga by 19 points, victorious in the UEFA Super Cup, as well as FIFA Club World Cup with Lahm making 50 appearances in all competitions.
Player rating
Passing- 8/10
Shooting- 7/10
Heading- 8/10
Speed- 8.5/10
Stamina- 9/10
Footballing brain- 8/10
Skill- 7/10
Tackling- 8.5/10
Overall rating- 64.5/80
Article by Joseph James
Video of Lahm throughout 2014
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mM6zwqKnqFw
Phillipp Lahm
Despite announcing his retirement from international football almost three months ago, there is no doubt that had Lahm decided to continue his captaincy and role for the Germans, he could have arguably played at international level until at least the European championships in 2016. However, with Germany winning the World Cup in such an impressive overall tournament, the crowning of the Germans as World Champions was a terrific way to end the international career of a player who has played at such a consistently high level for ten years.
What kind of player is he?
Lahm is not only blessed with incredible stamina and strong defensive skills, the quiet yet inspiring, 5'7, utility man also possess the ability to frequently influence matches from defensive flanks, thus resulting in Pepe Guardiola's decision to play in central midfield, where he is arguably just as effective.
What has he achieved this season?
Not only has 2014 seen Lahm win Germany's first major trophy in 24 years, Lahm's contributions in helping Bayern Munich reach the Champions League semi finals, win the Bundesliga by 19 points, victorious in the UEFA Super Cup, as well as FIFA Club World Cup with Lahm making 50 appearances in all competitions.
Player rating
Passing- 8/10
Shooting- 7/10
Heading- 8/10
Speed- 8.5/10
Stamina- 9/10
Footballing brain- 8/10
Skill- 7/10
Tackling- 8.5/10
Overall rating- 64.5/80
Article by Joseph James