Demichelis gains in stature at Bayern

The Allianz Arena clock showed 75 minutes played in Tuesday's Champions League meeting between Bayern and Juventus when the 66,000 sell-out crowd were treated to a rare but splendid spectacle. Martin Demichelis, a centre-half by trade and described by Karl-Heinz Rummenigge as "a rugged and aggressive opponent", staged a show of lithe delicacy no-one had previously suspected.

Down by his opponents' corner flag, the 24-year-old initially skipped past World Cup and EURO winner Lilian Thuram, then repeated his merry dance around Brazil star Emerson, before neatly laying the ball off to team-mate Valerien Ismaël. The incident epitomised Bayern's confident display, but also nicely reflected Demichelis' scintillating form so far this term.

Gaining in stature

Condemned to wait match after match for his full international debut, Micho firmly established his presence at Bayern last season and is nigh on a certainty these days when coach Felix Magath picks the team each week. Demichelis gave another convincing demonstration of his mastery of the enforcer role against Juventus, tackling aggressively, winning practically everything in the air, earning praise as "the secret playmaker after Ballack" from the TZ tabloid, and crowning a superb outing with Bayern's second on 39 minutes.

"He's close to complete. We saw how much he contributed to the team over and above his work in defence," Magath enthused. "He's immensely dangerous at set plays, and I reckon he'll score a few more goals for us this season." Demichelis struck winners in single-goal victories over Hanover and Bruges before claiming his third of term on Tuesday.

Tactical nous

The likeable player needed time to settle to the defensive holding role after arriving from Buenos Aires giants River Plate in 2003 as a centre-half. "Since then, he's taken on the challenge of his current position and now wants to play there," Magath reported. "and I think we've all seen he's well established in the role in front of the defence."

Bayern's first Argentine star has also caught the eye of chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. "Martin is tactically vital for the team in midfield, because he keeps his zone totally tidy and clean. He's tactically educated, an intelligent player, and he's filling a key role for us."

Club takes priority

Demichelis was his customary modest, almost shy self after the gala display against the Italians. "I've managed an important goal against a very good team," he commented, insisting the good of the club came before his personal ambitions. "We've offered proof of our strength as a team tonight. Top of the group is what we want, it's achievable, and its where we have to finish."

"I'm very happy here in Munich," he added with a grin. "I hope it keeps going, and I'll be a good long time at Bayern." Demichelis' deal runs until June 2007 - and an extension cannot be ruled out.