#2 Benedikt Howedes
Perhaps the forgotten hero of Germany’s World Cup win in Brazil is Schalke’s Benedikt Howedes. Playing that tournament out of position at left-back, Joachim Low’s side looked destined for failure – but the sheer determination and concentration of Howedes helped him excel on the international stage.
At the club level, the now 29-year-old is a Schalke legend. With more than 310 games in all competitions for the Bundesliga side, Howedes has established himself as a club legend. Signing for Schalke’s famous Knappenschmiede (youth academy) at just 13, Howedes established himself as captain of the Royal Blues in 2011 whilst his defensive attributes almost led him to join Arsenal; who instead purchased Per Mertesacker.
It hasn’t been the best of campaigns for Schalke, though, who look set to miss out on a place in Europe next season but with Howedes playing in all but one of their league games, his experience is exactly what Markus Weinzierl needs in his team.
