Manchester United and Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger had a very rough 2015-16 club season. He was injured for much of it, and played very poorly for most of the time that he was match fit. Throw in the suspension, and the overall campaign was one that made him amongst the most disappointing acquisitions of the 2015 summer transfer window.
His time in Old Trafford is widely regarded to be a total flop. The Captain of the German National Team is doing his best to come back strong however.
Schweinsteiger sent a message yesterday by scoring Germany’s second goal, the 24th of his international career, in injury time during Deutchsland’s 2-0 victory over Ukraine in the 2016 European Championships opener for both sides.
Schweinsteiger didn’t feature until the final minute of regulation, but he obviously made a huge impact in the final box score. With that goal he also likely boosted his self-esteem, which is needed given that Franz Beckenbauer described Schweinsteiger as being miserable at Old Trafford. Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil highlighted Basti’s importance to Die Mannschaft, and also discussed how big that goal was for Schweinsteiger.
“I think it was important for him,” Ozil told reporters after the game in Lille. “He was injured for a long time and with that goal he’ll probably gain a lot more self-confidence.
“But the coach has also often said it — we need every player. It’s a long tournament and we need everyone to be fit.”
“So we’re happy that Bastian got a goal because he’s an important player for us.”
Germany, winners of the 2014 World Cup, is widely considered one of the co-favorites to win the Euros, along with host country France.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes regularly to the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye publication and Bold Global.
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