Editing Matthias Sammer (section)

==Style of play==
Sammer usually played as a [[Sweeper (association football)|sweeper]] during the height of his career, in particular in later years, although he was also capable of playing in several [[Midfielder|midfield]] and [[Forward (association football)|offensive]] roles; indeed, he was often deployed further up the pitch earlier in his career, including in a [[Holding midfielder|holding]] role, as an [[attacking midfielder]], as a [[central midfielder]], as a [[left winger]], as a [[deep-lying playmaker]], or even as a [[Striker (association football)|striker]] on occasion, courtesy of his technique, stamina, passing ability, and vision. Although he was not the most physically gifted defender, due to his slender frame, he was regarded as a world class player in his position, in particular due to his intelligence and positional sense, while he was also able to improve his tackling ability as his career progressed. Despite his more [[Defender (association football)|defensive]] playing role, he was also a talented and energetic player, who was known for his eye for goal, athleticism, elegance, finesse, and offensive capabilities, and had a penchant for undertaking individual forward runs with the ball towards the opposing penalty area. Beyond his skills as a footballer, he was also known as an influential player and a commanding presence on the pitch, who stood out for his charismatic leadership qualities, determination, bravery, and composure under pressure. Despite his ability and reputation as one of the greatest sweepers of all time, however, he was also known to be prone to injuries, which ultimately forced him to retire from professional football at the age of 31.{{efn|See<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/le-meteore/sammer-il-pallone-d-oro-allergico-all-italia-436170 |title=Sammer, il pallone d'oro allergico all'Italia |publisher=tuttomercatoweb.com |language=it |last1=Mocciaro |first1=Gaetano |date=2 April 2013 |access-date=8 June 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://thefalse9.com/2017/02/matthias-sammer-dortmund-bayern.html |title=Forgotten Superstars-Matthias Sammer |publisher=The False 9 |last1=Bradley |first1=Cain |date=26 February 2017 |access-date=8 June 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1176000-world-football-101-an-introduction-to-players-positions |title=World Football 101: An Introduction to Player's Positions |publisher=Bleacher Report |last1=Gautam |first1=Bimersha |date=8 May 2012 |access-date=8 June 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1783912-the-20-most-intimidating-defenders-in-bundesliga-history |title=The 20 Most Intimidating Defenders in Bundesliga History |publisher=Bleacher Report |last1=Whitney |first1=Clark |date=4 October 2013 |access-date=8 June 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/club/name/481/blog/post/1880996/headline |title=German order falls to Philipp Lahm |publisher=ESPN |date=14 June 2014 |access-date=8 June 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/matthias-sammer_(Enciclopedia-dello-Sport)/ |title=SAMMER, Matthias in "Enciclopedia dello Sport" |publisher=treccani.it |language=it-IT |last1=Valdiserri |first1=Luca |access-date=8 June 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/15/sports/soccer/world-cup-2014-a-24-year-overhaul-puts-germany-back-on-top.html |title=On This Day, 'Miracle Boy' Götze Was Better Than Messi |work=The New York Times |last1=Hughes |first1=Rob |date=14 July 2014 |access-date=8 June 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world_cup_98/teams/germany/players/85619.stm |title=Key Player – Matthias Sammer |publisher=BBC News |date=3 May 1998 |access-date=8 June 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/news/sammer-discord-can-important-1643811 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608235524/https://www.fifa.com/news/sammer-discord-can-important-1643811 |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 June 2021 |title=Sammer: Discord can be important |publisher=FIFA |date=4 June 2012 |access-date=8 June 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bundesliga.com/en/news/Bundesliga/0000252691.jsp |title=From skinny striker to world-class sweeper |publisher=bundesliga.com |access-date=8 June 2021 }}</ref>}}