Philipp Lahm Quotes

I've added a bit more composure on the ball and defensively got a bit cuter and improved in one-on-ones.

I spend the entire 90 minutes looking for space on the pitch. I'm always between the opposition's two holding midfielders and thinking, 'The defence is here, so I get the ball and I go there to where the space is.'

Not everything is seen that happens on the pitch - the teammate in a good position, where it might get dangerous, how a situation develops.

I am a defender, but I can play the ball. I have a good technique.

I've always looked up to John Terry; he's a massive defender and a rock. His one-v-one defending and reading of the game have really educated me. I watch a lot of clips of him.

Oriol Romeu is very strong and doesn't lose possession much. He's a very complete player and makes good cover.

Defending is definitely an art.

For me football is more about making the right pass at the right time.

I know when I step into midfield I have to sharpen my feet up and be more aware of what's around me, at centre back it's more about timing, positioning and communication.

When someone like Lukaku gets you in the position where he's holding you off it is key to try and nick it in front of him.

As a goalkeeper, you've got to have mental toughness, and that's one thing I'm good at.

Raheem Sterling is a danger to every defence because of his pace and technique. If you let him go one against one, you are in trouble. He has that speed with the ball at his feet to make a difference.

I believe my strengths are my pace and reading of the game.

Playing me in different positions helped me to get in the head of the others players: to know what they're thinking, where and how they are going to move.

It's the rival that gives you the tempo depending on who is on the ball or who a pass is played to. That is the little secret.

I think defending is more of, like, a science, and it's fun to learn that. And then I see attacking as an art.

My game is characterised by consistency, and that is what has brought me to Liverpool and helped me grow and develop. I like to make simple saves. I don't make saves for the camera.

To play as an anchor man you have to be extremely disciplined and a lot of the time you're attracted to the ball but can't go there because if you don't get there or it breaks down there is a hole.

Especially going from an attacking player to a defensive player, your whole mindset has to change. You have to work on one-v-one defending versus one-v-one attacking.

To be useful in defence, to win back the ball, you don't always have to go sliding into the tackle. It's also about your positioning; sometimes all you have to do is take a step back.

My main improvement on defense has just been my coaches. They've been teaching me defensive schemes, how to guard guys, and how to use my length.

I consider all aspects of being a goalkeeper as fundamental in the development of the side as a whole.

I think my one-on-one defense is pretty good.

I try to have a picture when I receive the ball and know where everyone is. That's one of the most important things for a midfielder.

The evolution of football has seen a reduction in the space between the teams. It is therefore important for the modern footballer to react and be quicker than in the past, because there is more happening in the restricted space.