2013 Year in Review: Top 5 Captains of 2013

1. Philipp Lahm – Bayern Munich

This lad just had to be on the top! He led Bayern to the treble in the 2012/13 season. This season has been no different with the defender providing 3 assists this season in the Bundesliga. He’s one of the most adaptable and compatible players in the world and can play in midfield or defend. Pep Guardiola has used him as a Right-back as well as a Defensive midfielder.

Lahm is a complete player and is one of the best in his positions. One of the latest trophies he held was the Club World Cup where his team beat a spirited Raja Casablanca and he helped out in an important clean sheet. He is one of the most underrated stars in the Bayern team, and often gets overshadowed by the superstars like Schweinsteiger, Ribery and Robben stealing most of the plaudits. Very few people actually appreciate his importance to German football and Bayern Munich in particular.

He has a pass success of over 90% this year and makes at least one key pass every game. He generates around 5 long balls each game and is very strong in ball retention. He is a fearless and loyal player and is a complete team man. He may not score too many or cut an intimidating figure, but he is a shrewd customer who isn’t ‘nutmegged’ that often and is particularly fast down the right hand side. He has been crucial in Bayern reaching 3 of 4 finals in the last few years.

Guardiola said of Lahm: “[He] is perhaps the most intelligent player I have ever trained in my career. He is at another level.” To get such high praise from a manager of such quality is a testament to his brilliance. He was nominated for the Ballon d’Or several times, and has continued to justify those nominations.

His trophy cabinet is probably the main reason why he is at the top of this list, not to undermine his credentials otherwise.