Karimi confounds sceptics with rock-solid start

Not everyone regarded Bayern's summer transfer swoop for Ali Karimi from Dubai-based Al Ahly as a genuine effort to up the already high quality in the first-team squad. A few sceptics even reckoned the move was simply a marketing stunt, but six matches into the Bundesliga season, the man from Iran is beginning to look like one of the captures of the decade.

Karimi has appeared in every league game to date, scoring in the 5-2 victory over Leverkusen and providing two assists. The player has exploded onto the scene and already looks the part in the exalted company of the double winners' star ensemble. "I always knew Ali would add an extra dimension," coach Felix Magath declared, confirmed in his insistence on securing the 26-year-old's signature.

Streets empty for Ali

The player enjoys superstar status back home. Iranian TV shows one Bundesliga match live each matchday, concentrating on the nation's three German-based players - Karimi, Mehdi Mahdavikia of Hamburg and former Red Vahid Hashemian of Hanover.

Whenever Bayern hit the small screen, "it clears the streets in Iran," the versatile attacker reports. The phenomenon could well be seen again on Saturday when leaders Munich travel to face second-placed Hamburg, although Karimi's fellow-countryman Mahdavikia is sidelined with a calf injury.

First reunion with Mahdavikia

Nonetheless, Karimi is fired up for the match at the AOL Arena, and the chance to touch base with his friend. "It's the first chance to see each other since I came to Germany," he explained. The distance between the cities and an extremely tight schedule has prevented the pair meeting up until now.

However, there is a possibility neither Mahdavikia nor Karimi might appear on Saturday as Bayern welcome back attackers Michael Ballack and Roque Santa Cruz after injury. "I'm delighted to see Ballack returning. Let's hope he quickly recovers the form he had before his injury," Karimi commented. "It's not a question of my personal ambitions, we have to do what's best for the club."

Praise from team-mates

The Iranian feels he has not been at his best in the last few games, although he detected an improvement in Frankfurt last Tuesday. "I'm hoping to recapture my best form as of now."

Even if the over-harsh personal criticism were true, Karimi is proving a hit in the dressing room. "He's a superb player," Mehmet Scholl said in praise. "He's level-headed and a good lad," added Hasan Salihamidzic. "It's a lot of fun playing alongside him."

Future can wait

A few language difficulties represent his biggest problem at the moment. Away from the field he uses an interpreter, while during matches and in the dressing room he normally turns to English, although there is progress, as Brazzo reported: "His German is getting better every day. I don't think it'll take long before he speaks pretty good German. I think he feels at home here."

So will the likeable Iranian extend his contract, initially signed for a single season? "I'm not thinking about contracts, only about football and giving my best in every match," he responds. Up to now, he has assuredly hit that target.