Lukas Podolski profile

Lukas Podolski is tipped to shine at the World Cup after being saddled with the tag of Germany's answer to Wayne Rooney.

The young striker is already established in Jurgen Klinsmann's starting line-up and he has the potential to take the hosts all the way.

"I believe Podolski can make the same impact in 2006 as England's Wayne Rooney at Euro 2004. Rooney is more powerful and robust, but Podolski has a touch more elegance. He's got the guile of a veteran, even though he's just a youngster."
Bayern Munich coach Felix Magath.

'Poldi', as he has been nicknamed, was born in Poland, but moved to Germany at an early age before coming through the ranks at Cologne.

He was plucked from the youth squad to make his first team debut at the age of 18 in November 2003 and he has not looked back ever since.

During his debut season, he scored 10 goals in 19 appearances for the struggling side, although he could not prevent Cologne from relegation from Die Bundesliga.

His abundant promise saw him called into Rudi Voller's squad for Euro 2004 and he made his Germany debut in a pre-tournament friendly against Hungary.

Podolski appeared against Czech Republic at the finals in Portugal, while the following year he scored three goals in the Confederations Cup.

Cologne again struggled in the German top flight in the 2005/06 season, while Podolski was occasionally at odds with the coaching staff.

He was wanted by Bayern Munich, Hamburg and Werder Bremen and eventually agreed a move to the Bundesliga champions ahead of the World Cup finals.

His stock is only likely to increase in the tournament as he looks to improve on a record of almost a goal every other international appearance, with his tally already into double figures.