Top 10 Footballers of 2014 #4: Philipp Lahm

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Pep Guardiola called him the “cleverest” player he has ever coached. That’s as great a compliment as they come considering Lionel Messi, Thierry Henry, Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez belong on that list. As Guardiola attempted to take Bayern up a tactical notch, one of his key experiments was   moving Lahm from his primary right back role to holding midfield.  It was no surprise that Lahm adapted to this role seamlessly. As Bayern captain and one of the key players,  he led them to a Bundesliga and DFB- Pokal Cup double. In the summer, he led the German national team to World Cup victory.The consummate professional and performer, Lahm joined the pantheon of hallowed saints (German World Cup winning Captains): Franz Beckenbaeur, Lothar Matthaus and Fritz Walter.