ontd_football | Schweinsteiger 'the logical successor' to Lahm, says Beckenbauer

The former defender believes the Bayern midfielder is the clear candidate to take up the armband for the national team over team-mate Manuel Neuer or Dortmund's Mats Hummels.

Bastian Schweinsteiger is "the logical successor" to Philipp Lahm as Germany captain, according to iconic former defender Franz Beckenbauer.

Lahm opted to retire from international football after leading his side to World Cup glory in Brazil this summer, having first taken up the armband for the finals in 2010.

Schweinsteiger was vice-captain to his Bayern Munich team-mate in Brazil and Beckenbauer believes the 30-year-old is the obvious choice to take up the armband.

"Schweinsteiger for me is the logical successor to Philipp Lahm," he told Bild. "He's a leader, he won a lot of sympathy for his incredible versatility in the World Cup final.

"The whole team is raised by such a fighter. And, as deputy to Lahm, he knows the captain's role already."

Beckenbauer feels Mats Hummels would be the ideal deputy to Schweinsteiger, while he claims Manuel Neuer would not be the correct choice given his position on the pitch.

"[Hummels] should be vice-captain to Schweinsteiger. Neuer is a great personality, but a coach prefers an outfield player as they can better influence the action," he added.

He's been in Ibiza for the past few days, looking very hot.

How could he possibly be denied?

I've just seen that the all star game is on at around 2am! I'm going to have to give that a miss, probably download it the next day.

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What were the previous objections to Basti being captain? I've read that he was considered "too emotional" and stuff about not being the right type.

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Happily, my experience is the opposite. Blogs I hang around consider Poldi vital for team spirit, for fun, for clutch goals (that man can score crackers like no one else on the team - his left foot is vicious) and for just generally a great attitude.

And you're right. He's so responsible. No clubbing. Takes Louis on the double decker bus in London for fun. Likes visiting the Emirates at night just taking pics and feeling part of the spirit of the club.

His connection with the fans (I really believe he's a cult figure for most - if that's worrying you) shows maturity. Imagine being that popular after only 2 years? Even his put-on "I'm a bit simple" act is intelligent. Keeps him out of the firing line. Makes it possible for him to have fun and enjoy himself in a harmless way.

Some of his pranks are so endearing. Amy Lawrence interviewed Mesut and recalls entering the training centre to find Mesut fleeing from Lukas who was serenading him at the top of his voice. That was when Mesut was under criticism from the press (but NOT the fans) and Poldi was going out of his way to support him and show him love and even took to FB to tell the press off after the Bayern match. ("There's criticism. And then there's polemic.")

I love Lukas. He's one of a kind. And he was vital to winning the World Cup - which was a journey of 8 years that he was a major part of.

Poldi's so amazing and deserving of all the love for everything that you've mentioned. A lot of people don't see past the silly sense of humor like it's a bad thing to have.

Yes, I'm so happy to hear he's loved and valued. I agree with you so much. He does play up the "Poldi" persona at times, but it's a good barrier to have.

After the WC final, I love that he took Louis back out onto the pitch and played some footie with him. He didn't get completely caught up in the celebrations, he knew to take a moment with his son. But then he always seem concious of his time with Louis.

What a great father/son moment for Louis to cherish.

I love him tbh. <3

Schweinsteiger 'the logical successor' to Lahm, says Beckenbauer

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