Rising Stars of German Football: Defenders

(Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

(This is the second part of the "Rising Stars of German Football" series and it features the young German defenders)

Germany has always been considered as a very efficient unit when it comes to major international events and generally the secret behind their efficiency is a very solid and well-coordinated defence. The following are some of the young defenders who are expected to help prolong this rich tradition:

Andreas Beck

The right-back position has proven to be a problem area for the German national team over the past couple of years. Arne Friedrich played in the right-back slot during the last World Cup and for much of EURO 2008 but he was more often than not considered as a bit of a weak-link in the side. Friedrich is definitely far more effective when he plays as a centre-back.

Phillip Lahm also played in the position a few times but clearly he prefers to play in his natural position at left-back. However, Germany has finally managed to find the solution to this problem, in the form of Andreas Beck.

Andreas Beck made his debut for Stuttgart in early 2006 and went on to make 28 appearances for the side before moving to Hoffenheim during the summer of 2008.

At Hoffenheim he has been a revelation. His darting runs on the right flank combined with pinpoint crosses have terrorized most Bundesliga opponents, during much of last season. His efficient performances helped Hoffenheim to reach top spot before the winter break and soon he was called up to the international squad.

He made his debut for the national side in a friendly against Norway, early this year. Before that, Beck represented Germany in the U-21 Championships and put in some dazzling displays. He scored the only goal in the semi-final against Italy and proved to be a handful for the English, as the Germans recorded a comprehensive 4-0 victory in the final.

As he is only 22 right now, Beck has definitely got age on his side and therefore should improve further in the years to come. With Beck on the right and Lahm on the left, things are certainly looking good for Germany.

Jérôme Boateng 

Another youngster in the same mould as Beck is Jérôme Boateng. Boateng is the son of a German mother and Ghanaian father and has two brothers, Kevin-Prince and George, both of whom are footballers. Jérôme is a versatile player who can play as a full-back or in the heart of defence.

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