[Oliver_Kahn]

Quite a few midfielders have made their mark in the first half of the Bundesliga season. bundesliga.de takes a closer look at some of them.


The term "dominating" is often used in football, but seldom has a player really earned the distinction. But this season, Werder Bremen playmaker Diego was a dominating factor for his team!

Impressive debut season

In 16 matches, the tricky Brazilian scored eight goals, and set up another eleven. That's an impressive tally for the youngster in his debut season in the Bundesliga. Diego has an extra weapon in his arsenal. The 21 year-old is modest and humble about his talent and is always quick to point out he is still learning.

"I always want to improve. I was welcomed with open arms, and that has been extremely important, as I'm still finding my feet here", the Brazilian admits.

Frings getting better and better

Diego has had some excellent support in being able to shine so brightly: team mate Torsten Frings! This season the German international has developed into one of Europe's best midfielders. Frings can dictate play at the back, and isn't shy to help out in attack either.

Indeed, many experts believe that Frings is exactly the kind of player a club like Werder needs. The 30 year-old is dedicated, dangerous and has an insatiable will to win. That's something normally associated with league rivals FC Bayern.

"Bayern have always been able to win matches in which they didn't play particularly well. We need to be able to do that as well. If we can, there's no doubt we'll have what it takes to become champions", Frings believes.

Dutch inspiration for Bayern

Bayern's answer to Frings is Dutch international Mark van Bommel. He joined the Bavarians from Champions League winners Barcelona, and made his presence felt from the very first game!

Van Bommel is the Bundesliga's stand-out all-rounder. He's a tough tackler, who also gets on the score-sheet. Van Bommel has netted three goals this season, and has the highest completed pass rate in the entire league. One thing's for sure, Bayern and van Bommel are perfect for each other.

"Bayern is a big club, the biggest club in Germany! I am very proud to be able to play for Bayern Munich", van Bommel declared.

Bajramovic shines for Schalke

League rivals Schalke can also boast a top-rated defensive midfielder in Zlatan Bajramovic. The Bosnian enjoyed an impressive first half of the season, and he has the talent to shine anywhere on the pitch at any given time.

He's been instrumental in the club's title drive, and he thrives on the challenge. It seems Bajramovic finally feels at home after a difficult first year with Schalke.

"Not much has changed really. I'm playing as well as I did in my first season with Schalke. The difference is that now I am playing, where as previously I could only impress in training. I never have a problem acclimatising myself or getting used to new surroundings. I should have wanted to play more back then", Bajramovic explains.

Others not so impressive

Some highly-rated midfielders haven't been grabbing the headlines this season. Schalke's Lincoln and Hamburg skipper Rafael van der Vaart have suffered from inconsistency and injuries.

But both stars will have ample opportunities to prove their immense value to their respective clubs when the Bundesliga resumes in late January.