The 27-year-old adds a strong aerial element to Germany's attack and a daunting physical presence.

But he still remains capable of abysmal misses in front of goal as he has shown in the Bundesliga.

He is steadily improving his all-round game but looks to be down the pecking order now.

He has solid European experience, having played at Euro 2000, twice been on the losing end of European club finals and as part of the European Cup-winning Bayern side in 2001.