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Germans have youth on their side
Alan Hansen's infamous remark about never winning anything with kids would be greeted with just as much hilarity around VfB Stuttgart as it once was at Manchester United.
Youth has been a driving force for the German champions. A handful of high-quality talents earned their spurs in last season's surprise Bundesliga triumph and are now confident of a successful first step in the Champions League against Rangers tomorrow night.
The names may not sound immediately Teutonic, yet Mario Gomez, Roberto Hilbert, Sami Khedira and Serdar Tasci could end up as important components of a future Germany team. Only Hilbert was bought in by Stuttgart, the rest rolled off their conveyor belt.
Gomez, in particular, will be viewed as a threat to Walter Smith's side, having been crowned as the Bundesliga's latest golden boy. The 22-year-old striker has replaced Miroslav Klose as Germany's reigning player of the year and will have designs on his elder's regular place in the national side.
Gomez made his international debut in February and already has three goals for Joachim Loew's men as they power towards a place at Euro 2008. Injuries had stalled his start to the new campaign, yet he came off the bench to score in Stuttgart's 3-0 stroll past Energie Cottbus at the weekend.
Rainer Bonhof has watched with interest as Gomez has progressed. The former Scotland Under-21 manager, who now scouts talent in Germany and Austria for Chelsea, has warned Rangers they face a natural predator capable of inflicting early damage in Group E.
"Gomez is just back from injury, but is already scoring goals again," said Bonhof, capped 53 times by Germany.
"He's always dangerous, inside or outside the box. He can hit with his left or right foot and is also a tough player who is good in the air.
"The Stuttgart supporters love him, but it's inevitable that one of the bigger teams in Europe or Britain will try for him in the future. I'm sure they're already looking.
"He doesn't have that many caps for Germany right now, partly because of the injuries he had at the end of last season and over the summer. But I think it's just a question of when he will be back in the national team."
Hilbert is another who has already advanced to the Germany squad, making his full international debut against Denmark in March. The 22-year-old, who can play at right-back or in midfield, scored seven times last season after joining from SpVgg Greuther Furth.
Khedira struck the goal that ultimately delivered the Bundesliga shield. The 20-year-old midfielder only made his first team debut last October but has rapidly proved his worth.
Tasci is another 20-year-old and has emerged as one of Germany's most promising defenders after being promoted from Stuttgart's youth ranks little over a year ago. Also eligible to play for Turkey, he made his debut for Germany's Under-21s in February's 2-0 win over Scotland.
"Khedira was the real surprise player from last season," said Bonhof. "He had a sniff of the first team a couple of times, then quickly established himself as part of the line up.
"He's a midfield player but he's comfortable pushing forward and can provide different options for the team. Hilbert is also a solid player, while Tasci has been excellent alongside Fernando Meira.
"Meira is the experienced talker and organiser in defence, and Tasci is playing with great confidence because of his influence. Both are good in the air and quick enough, so it will not be easy for the Rangers strikers."
Stuttgart realised they could not rely on youth alone and the signings of Ricardo Osorio and Pavel Pardo, the Mexican internationalists, proved inspired. With more than 180 caps between them, they added assurance to full-back and deep midfield areas.
"The philosophy at Stuttgart is about bringing in youngsters and developing them, but they were also clever by signing the two Mexicans," said Bonhof.
"Pardo is very important in the midfield and both of them helped stabilise the team. They can guide the young players whenever they lose discipline or organisation."
Bonhof predicts a close encounter at Ibrox and feels both sides have the attributes to upset Barcelona and Lyon in what could be regarded as the toughest Champions League section.
"Going to Glasgow or Stuttgart will not be easy for any side," he said. "Certainly, Barcelona and Lyon are the favourites in the group but I'm expecting some surprises.
"Those teams won't like the style that Walter Smith has Rangers playing. It's different to what they are used to dealing with, and it seems there is a good team spirit at Ibrox.
"Stuttgart know what to expect in Glasgow and I would imagine they will focus on not conceding an early goal. Anything other than a defeat would make them happy."
Cooper
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