Philipp Lahm

Philipp Lahm is a German retired professional footballer who played as a right back or defensive midfielder and spent much of his early career playing left back. Although Lahm is right-footed, he is able to play on both sides of the pitch, due to his tactical intelligence and versatility. He often cut from the flank to the inside of the pitch to either shoot and/or pass.  In particular, he is renowned for his pace, technique, stamina, and precise tackling abilities, as well as his small stature, which earned him the nickname the “Magic Dwarf”. Lahm is considered by many to be one of the best defenders of his generation and one of the greatest defenders of all time

Accomplishments:

 Lahm was included in the World Cup team of the tournament in 2006, 2010, and 2014, and the UEFA Team of the Tournament in 2008 and 2012 and in the UEFA Team of the Year 2006, 2008, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Lahm was the captain of Bayern Munich, having led them to numerous honors including the 2013 UEFA Champions League as part of the Treble. He was also a former captain of his national team, which he led to win the 2014 FIFA World Cup, before retiring from international football.

On 8 December 2017, Lahm was named honorary ambassador for Germany’s bid to host the UEFA Euro 2024.

Tactical Analysis:

The German King of defenders is regarded as one of the best defenders of the world. Following of his attributes combine to make him such an exquisite player.

Deep Playmaker: Because of his excellent range of passing, Lahm also plays the role of a deep playmaker for his team. He has the vision to recognize spaces and movements and passing range to pick his man from deep. He plays a perfect ball behind the opposition’s defensive line to pick his player, with perfect assumption of the movement and timing of the player.

Breaking the lines: Lahm’s biggest strength is his control on the ball and he uses it effectively to break the opposition lines. Lahm is very confident on the ball and that’s why he is never afraid to move out from his line and carry the ball up.

Defensive Cover: As a defender, you always should be a pessimist and you should always expect the worst and be ready to face it. You can only provide defensive cover if u are a pessimist. A CB should always expect the worst and should be ready to provide the cover to his FBs.

Resisting the Press: Lahm always used his excellent control to resist the opponent press. He so calmly plays the ball even the opponent player is right over him.

Threat in the Opposition Box: Lahm is a great threat in the opposition goal box because of his aerial strength and control.

Philipp Lahm’s excellent control, passing range and reading of the game makes him one of the best centre backs in the world.

Weaknesses:

Lahm’s height is a factor in his weakness. Due to his short height, he is not so good with headers. Even though he jumps, but his conversion rate is not so good. He is also not very good with crosses. And he is also physically weak.