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Meet Bayern Munich's players

China Daily | Updated: 2012-05-18 07:48

Meet Bayern Munich's players

Goalkeeper

Meet Bayern Munich's players

The Germany No 1 has played a big part in Bayern's run to the final with a superb performance in the penalty shootout against Real Madrid in the semis. However, he has had a few erratic performances in his debut season at Bayern since joining from Schalke 04 last summer. He might also give Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard a special handshake before kickoff after his let off when Lampard's shot clearly crossed his goal line when England played Germany in the 2010 World Cup finals but the goal was never given.

Defenders

Meet Bayern Munich's players

The tall Germany central defender has added some steel and speed to the Bayern defense since joining from Manchester City last summer and has combined extremely well with Holger Badstuber, who is suspended for the final. Although he spent the 2010-11 season in England, he did not gain much first-hand experience playing Chelsea, only coming on as an 88th-minute substitute against it in September, 2010.

13-RAFINHA, 26

The mercurial Brazilian has failed to hold onto his starting spot since the winter break, but could be back in the starting lineup because 19-year-old revelation David Alaba is suspended from the final.

21-PHILIPP LAHM, 28

The captain and defensive brain of the team. The hugely consistent Germany captain usually plays as leftback but, as is often the case, could move over to the right with Rafinha occupying the left side.

5-DANIEL VAN BUYTEN, 34

Played for 10 different clubs at all levels before joining Bayern in 2006. The experienced Belgian defender had been out injured for four months but recently returned to training and could be included in Saturday's squad by coach Jupp Heynckes.

Meet Bayern Munich's players

Midfielders

The French winger has had his most productive season in Germany since moving from Olympique Marseille to Bayern in 2007, scoring 12 league goals and setting up another 12 for his teammates. Ribery, who has scored another three goals in the Champions League, is desperate for a shot at the big prize after being suspended for the 2010 final.

The Dutchmen scored twice in 19 Champions League matches for Chelsea during his spell in London and will no doubt relish playing against one of his former clubs. Was on the side beaten by Inter Milan in the 2010 final and is still one of the most effective wide-right players. With Ribery, he is the other half of the "Robbery" combination that can easily turn a game with a dazzling goal or a surging run. However, one criticism is that he too often tries to go it alone.

Meet Bayern Munich's players

23-DANIJEL PRANJIC, 30

The versatile Croat has dropped further down the pecking order and could be on the Bayern squad for the last time. Was on the bench for the 2010 Champions League defeat to Inter.

31-BASTIAN SCHWEINSTEIGER, 27

The heartbeat of the Bayern side, his injuries this season have proved to be costly. The holding midfielder, who first played in the Champions League for Bayern nearly 10 years ago, has admitted he is still trying to find his best form after a broken collarbone and ankle injury ruled him out for several months.

39-TONI KROOS, 22

Has been sensational this season, consolidating his Germany spot ahead of the Euros. Possesses a thundering shot and peripheral vision that allows him to slice open defenses with pin-point passes even from long range.

Forwards

Meet Bayern Munich's players

A versatile player who can fit in as an attacking midfielder or wide man with goals in his boots. Has had a consistent season and is a threat if left unmarked in or around the box.

33-MARIO GOMEZ, 26

Came on as a late substitute when Bayern lost the 2010 final - but could play a far more significant role in this season's final following a stunning Champions League season in which he's scored 12 goals so far. He also finished second in the Bundesliga, with a tally of 26. A workhorse outside the box, he is lethal in front of goal and, if he is on fire, Chelsea could well be in danger.

China Daily

 

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