Such is Bayern Munich and Argentina defender
Martín Demichelis' insistence that he is a centre back, not a central midfielder, that he was willing to risk the wrath of his manager by refusing to make a long term switch of position.
In March of 2008, Demichelis was temporarily thrown out of the squad by former Bayern coach Ottmar Hitzfeld, because he had refused to play as a holding midfielder ahead of an away game in Cottbus.
This act of insubordination came as a surprise, since Demichelis is not known as a trouble-maker, but it served to highlight a peculiar problem: while the player considers himself a central defender, coaches ask themselves whether he isn't even more valuable in defensive midfield. German coaches, that is.
“I’m not viewed as a midfielder in Argentina," says Demichelis, who is afraid he could lose his place in the national team if he is permanently switched to midfield in club football.
The bottom line of this strange debate is: Demichelis is one hell of a player and can fill any defensive role well. He says getting into a lot of challenges suits him as he likes the physical aspect of the game, but he is also a good passer of the ball and can build from the rear.
The 28 year old will be part of Diego Maradona’s Argentina squad for next summer’s World Cup, having played 14 of Argentina’s 18 qualifying matches.
Despite signing a new contract with Bayern earlier this year, the Argentine is still being linked with other clubs, and Premier League giants Manchester United and Arsenal, both looking in need of defensive reinforcements, may well be somewhere near the front of the queue should he become available.
Here, brought to you in association with Championship Manager, is our scouting report into the rugged defender...
Martín Demichelis
Date of Birth: 20th December 1980
Nationality: Argentinian
Club: FC Bayern Munich
Position: Central Defender/ Defensive Midfielder
Transfer Value: £9 million
Career History
Martin Demichelis started his career at River Plate where he played 106 games, winning two league titles and scoring four goals along the way. His impressive performances for River earned him a move to Bayern Munich in 2003 and he has since become a household name in German football, establishing himself as one of the Bundesliga’s top defenders.
He has played in 147 times for the German giants and scored four goals. The Argentinean international has had a very successful career with Bayern, winning both the German Championship and the German cup three times and the German League Cup on two occasions. He has been capped 21 times by Argentina, scoring once in a friendly against Australia in 2007.
Playing Style
The 28 year old defender can read the game very well and has a good range of passing. The Argentinean has been at the heart of the defence for Bayern in the past six years becoming a fans favourite. He can also play as a defensive midfielder and has covered there on a few occasions.
Strengths
A strong tough talking defender, Demichelis is also very good on the ball and can lead the defensive line very well. His assets are his heading, tackling and reading of the game. Although he is very strong and aggressive defender he also has great technical ability.
Weakness
He can sometimes be rash in challenges and will need to improve his composure when tackling. Demichelis has struggled with fitness for the past few years and needs to be more consistent in his game.
What Next?
Although he was strongly linked with a surprise move to Turkish giants Fenerbache over the summer, Demichelis signed a new contract with Bayern, tying him down at the Allianz Arena until 2012.
Talentspotter Ratings
• Shooting: 4.0
• Passing: 7.5
• Heading: 7.8
• Tackling: 8.1
• Pace: 5.4
• Work-rate: 8.0
• Crossing: 5.5
• Creativity: 5.5
• Dribbling: 6.3
• Overall: 7.9
