We take a look at Germany's outstanding playmakers down the years.
We take a look at Germany's outstanding playmakers
Michael Ballack
Inflential German midfielder Michael Ballack has played at two World Cup tournaments, but will miss this summer's competition due to injury. In 2002 he shone but ultimately was suspended for the final while four years later his team lost in the semi-finals. Ballack scored three World Cup goals in 11 matches.
Marco Bode
Left-sided player Bode helped Germany finish as runners-up at the 2002 World Cup. Indeed, the stopper scored in the group stage win over Cameroon, assisting the German's progress to the knockout stage. Alas, Germany were beaten in the final by Brazil.
Rainer Bonhof
Bonhof operated as a defensive midfielder or a wing-back. He emerged as a key player during Germany's triumphant 1974 World Cup campaign as they defeated Holland in the final on homesoil while Bonhof bagged versus Sweden in the second round. He also appeared at the 1978 tournament.
Horst Eckel
Eckel was an enormously talented right winger who boasted terrific pace and an impressive work rate. He was an important player for Germany during their first World Cup glory in 1954 and he was called upon again four years later.
Lothar Emmerich
Emmerich was utilised as an advanced left-sided player for the Germans during the 1966 World Cup. He has one World Cup goal to his name after scoring versus Spain in the group stage before featuring in the quarter and semi-finals, then losing to England in the showpiece.
Torsten Frings
Frings is a very impressive defensive midfielder indeed. He was a pivotal player for the Germans during their path to the final at the 2002 World Cup. And four years later his team finished third on the world stage, while he also got himself on the scoresheet versus Costa Rica.
Jurgen Grabowski
Grabowski was an offensive-minded footballer who was largely deployed as a winger. He was a member of the German squad at the 1966 World Cup, but did not make an appearance. He then featured once at the tournament four years later. But at the 1974 competition, Grabowski was a key player as his nation claimed glory.
Thomas Haessler
Haessler was famed for his terrific dribbling ability and dangerous free-kicks. He played at three World Cup finals, lifting glory during his bow on the world stage in 1990. Overall, he made 14 World Cup appearances.
Helmut Haller
Attacking playmaker Haller operated on the right flank for Germany. He played at three World Cup tournaments and was part of the side which finished as runners-up in 1966. He managed a fine return of six goals from nine appearances, including braces against Switzerland and Uruguay.
Bernd Holzenbein
Holzenbein was an inspired German winger who featured at two World Cup finals. He helped the Germans claim glory at the 1974 tournament. Indeed, it was he who won Germany a penalty against Holland in the final, which was duly dispatched to level.
Jens Jeremies
Jeremies, who made over 50 appearances for his nation, was a defensive midfielder, and a fine one at that. He played at two World Cup tournaments, reaching the final in 2002 but losing to South American giants Brazil.
Pierre Littbarski
Littbarski was an inspired attacking midfielder who boasted thrilling dribbling skills. He featured at three World Cup finals and was a losing finalist in his debut tournament in 1982. He was then barely used four years later but played a more prominent role at the 1990 competition, and he was triumphant as Germany beat Argentina in the final.
Karl Mai
Combative midfielder Mai helped Germany land their first World Cup title at the tournament in Switzerland in 1954. He performed impressively on the world stage, particularly shining when keeping Sandor Kocsis quiet in the final versus Hungary.
Lothar Matthaeus
Matthaeus is Germany's all-time record World Cup appearance holder having played in 22 matches on the grand stage. The former World Player of the Year captained his nation to glory at the 1990 World Cup. Matthaeus was the king of composure in the centre of the park, boasting a remarkable range of passing a fine shot, which helped him score six World Cup goals.
Wolfgang Overath
Left-footed midfielder Overath was a fine player during his heyday, boasting a battling mentality and superb passing ability. He was selected to play in three World Cup for his nation, scoring three goals during his 19 appearances. And he tasted glory in 1974 when the Germans beat Holland.
Bernd Schneider
Schneider was a hugely versatile midfielder who only retired from football last year. His strengths included wonderful technique, with his passing and shooting ability very impressive. He played at two World Cups, starting in 2002 where he lost in the final against Brazil.
Who do you think are Germany's four greatest midfielders of all time? Make your selections using the VOTE tab
