Germany learn to harness Deisler power

Voller puts youngster to the fore

Say it quietly, but there are some striking similarities between England and Germany. In football terms at least. Both nations had a rotten Euro 2000; both have since sought to rebuild from scratch; both have a new manager as well as a new-found confidence; and, perhaps most critically of all, both have a right midfielder capable of winning Saturday's match.

David Beckham and Sebastian Deisler are regarded as the golden boys of English and German football. They are also the symbols of their resurgent national teams. Having been around for a little longer, the 26-year-old Beckham has already been lauded by former greats. But Deisler is fast catching up. Only last week, Franz Beckenbauer described the 21-year-old as "the best there is." He added: "He is just lacking experience, but physically and technically he is very strong. In Germany there is no one better." After their recent 5-2 demolition of Hungary, the German manager, Rudi Völler, singled the youngster out for praise. "He was brilliant," Völler said, "outstanding even. But we are getting used to his great performances."

Praise indeed for a player who has yet to win any silverware with his club side, Hertha Berlin, although that may change soon, as Deisler has a clause in his contract stating that he will be allowed to leave next summer as long as Hertha receive an offer of at least £6m. You doubt they will struggle. Arsenal, along with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, have been monitoring his progress over the last two seasons. Deisler, though, refuses to get carried away. "It's always nice to be praised," he said, "but I try to take a realistic view. All I can do is continue to play good football and never shy away from responsibility."

When you hear Deisler speaking so positively, it is difficult to believe how low he felt 12 months ago when he was a member of the disastrous German campaign at Euro 2000. He had been selected by Erich Ribbeck to gain experience of major competitions. Instead, he found himself playing in a disjointed team and returned dejected from the Low Countries.

"After Euro 2000," he said, "we all came back feeling numb. What happened was a landmark. We will never be that bad again. It was difficult at times, but I kept telling myself that I was only young and would have the chance to go to other big tournaments. Since Euro 2000, we have slowly rediscovered our belief, both as individuals and as a team, and I think it is showing in our performances."

Whoever is entrusted with the problematic left slot in the England midfield will have their work cut out trying to mark the athletic German. Much like his England counterpart, Deisler has found a new lease of life under the stewardship of the new manager and he is currently at the top of his game.

The fact that Deisler grew up worshipping Völler no doubt helped, and the two have formed a strong teacher-pupil bond. "Everything is down to Rudi," he said. "Since he's been in charge everyone has been happy. All the players look forward to meeting up and we function much better as a team. Each player knows what he has to do; tactics are clear and easy to follow. Also, we're having fun and that is very important to me. If I wasn't enjoying myself, I'd stop immediately."

Deisler and Beckham share more than their pin-up status and position on the field. Both are also the subject of on-going debates as to whether their skills would be more suited to the central midfield role. Deisler has echoed Beckham's desire to be given the playmaker's shirt, but, as is the case with the Manchester United midfielder, his demands have fallen on deaf ears. But for how long? Völler has already hinted that once his team have qualified he will attempt a number of experiments, including moving Deisler inside.

Should Germany win on Saturday, they would be guaranteedparticipation in Korea and Japan next summer. That would then leave Völler with a minimum of six matches to tinker with his formation. "I would love to play in the middle," Deisler said. "I played there a lot for my club last season and had my best year to date. It was really exciting being given the responsibility and, now that I've tried it, I want more. But there is no rush, and the England game is perhaps too soon."

There is only one duty that Deisler does not share with Beckham, that of captaincy. At 21, however, Deisler has other priorities on his mind. Like winning the World Cup. "Völler was my hero during Italia 90 and now he is my manager," Deisler said. "I couldn't think of anything better than for us to lift the World Cup together next summer."