Lahm's versatility is his main asset and makes him a certainty to be included in Germany's first team in South Africa.
His attributes attracted interest from Manchester United and Barcelona a couple of years ago to reflect his quality, but in May 2008 he committed to a new contract with Bayern Munich.
Lahm can play in all positions across the back four and that was on show in Bayern's first-leg victory over Fiorentina in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League when he was asked to fill a variety of defensive roles to quell the Italians' threat.
The 26-year-old also loves to attack and is noted for his crossing ability to add to his value at international level and make him a mainstay in Joachim Low's team.
An international debutant in February 2004 after two impressive seasons on loan with Stuttgart, he has gone on to earn more than 50 caps for his country and was an ever-present in Germany's World Cup qualifying campaign.
Lahm also impressed at Euro 2008 as he and his team-mates reached the final, only to lose to Spain.
