Each week, we shall be looking into one of the greatest footballers in modern football and the impact they can potentially make when the World Cup commences in June.

Since signing for Bayern Munich at the age of 14 in 1998, the immensely talented midfielder has steadily risen through the ranks to become one of the best midfielders in his generation. Along with long-time team-mate Philip Lahm, the pair have been the symbol of loyalty, talent and success for their club.

Schweini initially began his Munich adventure as a winger, yet with the arrival of Louis Van Gaal as head coach, the player was implemented as a central midfielder to accommodate a formation which utilises Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben on the flanks. With his exceptional ball control coupled with an eye for accurate passes and smart midfield tackling, it was without a doubt that Bastian would shine in that role.

The midfielder also racked up some impressive individual awards throughout his career, including numerous man of the match awards for both club and country as well as providing the most assists, three, during the 2010 World Cup along with national team-mates Thomas Mueller and Mezut Ozil. As any football fan would know, the player also enjoyed a glittering career with Bayern Munich so far, with the 2013 treble quite positively being the highlight of his career.

Having a player like Schweinsteiger in a squad is as good as having an Iniesta or a Pirlo, therefore increasing said squad’s chances for success. Keep an eye out for this player this summer as he is sure to make an impact in what is already a star studded team tipped as one of the favourites.