MORE STILL TO COME FROM IMPROVING SCHWEINSTEIGER FacebookTwitterGoogle+ Bastian Schweinsteiger (l.) played a pivotal role in FC Bayern Münchens 2-1 victory over Bayer 04 Leverkusen Previous Next Munich - It would be wrong to say that Bastian Schweinsteiger is back. The truth is, he was never really away.While the 29-year-old may have missed two and a half months due to injury, there was never any doubting the quality possessed by a man who was an inspiration in Bayerns treble-winning 2012/13 season, and who fittingly scoring the goal which clinched the Bundesliga title in Frankfurt. Still improving Like with anybody returning from an injury, miracles cannot be expected overnight. Yet when that person is Schweinsteiger, normal rules do not apply. His goal against Arsenal FC in the UEFA Champions League settled any nerves the Bavarians might have had in the second leg of their last-16 tie, while his postage-stamp free-kick was decisive on Saturday. Hes looking great, said Bayerns sporting director Matthias Sammer, one of many to wax lyrical about the midfielder on Saturday. Hes looking very stable physically and his movement is improving all the time. Anyone who thought Schweinsteiger had reached his zenith already and would struggle to make it back into Bayerns star ensemble has been forced to think again. Worthy leader Im delighted that things are getting better again, Schweinsteiger enthused. Three months ahead of the FIFA World Cup, both club and country can take pleasure in the technically-gifted midfielder, tactician and tenacious tackler who, according to Sammer will soon be top, top, top. Against Leverkusen, he was a worthy captain and a worthy leader, and there was no sign of him flagging in his first full 90 minutes in the Bundesliga since 2 November. With 1,276 touches in 1,100 minutes of action this season, it is clear how pivotal a role Schweinsteiger plays in the Bayern engine room. On Saturday, he exceeded himself with 152 touches (compared to a seasons average of 104.4 per 90 minutes) and 137 passes, of which 93.4 per cent found their intended target. Getting back to his best Nevertheless, there is still room for improvement. Schweinsteiger may have won eight tackles against Leverkusen but he also lost seven and he completed just 11 sprints - five fewer than he habitually makes. However, once the Germany and Bayern vice-captain has a few more matches under his belt, those statistics will no doubt change too. So what is next for Schweinsteiger? With Pep Guardiola spoiled for choice week in, week out, a place on the bench in the coming weeks is not out of the question, nor would that be a problem for the Bayern No31. Im still trying to get fitter to get back to my best again, he said at the weekend. Considering his outstanding displays thus far, that is surely an intimidating prospect for Bayerns future opponents.
Posted on: Tue, 18 Mar 2014 19:52:17 +0000
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