Just last autumn, the only people who had heard of Bastian Schweinsteiger were people who went to Bayern Munich reserve matches. But the rest of the season developed into a fairytale for the midfielder: in just eight months he made 14 Bundesliga appearences and signed professional terms, before claiming third in the annual newcomer of the year behind Benjamin Lauth and Andreas Hinkel. Accompanied by his brother and a friend, the 18 year old flew to Gran Canaria on Sunday for a week's rest and relaxation-although his delight at the heady mix of sun, sea and sand will be tempered by the fact his luggage contains a pulse-measuring device and a speacially tailored training plan to help him stay in shape ahead of pre-season training beginning on 3 July. But the rising star says he has taken the whole thing in his stride. "I intend to prepare conscientiously for the new season," he said in an interview with kicker. And Michael Ballack and company should watch their backs: the prodigious talent has lofty ambitions for his second year as a professional footballer. "I intend to become a regular next season," he declares. Highlights from the kicker interview: Schweinsteiger on... ...his first season as a Bayern pro: "I'm extremely happy with my first Bundesliga season. I'm an Under-19, but I've played 14 times for Bayern and I've won the championship and the cup." ...his rapid ascent from the reserves to the first team: "Every now and then I just think to myself how fantastic it is. Last year, I played on the PlayStation with my mates, and I usually picked Ballack. Soon I'll be able to take Schweinsteiger. That's amazingly cool." ...picking up a fine after staying late at a disco: "I really don't want to talk about that any more. Maybe just this: the coach informed me man-to-man before we had it out in front of the team. It wasn't embarrassing and it wasn't terrible. It was stupidity on my part. Over and out." ...his temporary loss of form: "I went through a phase where everything was weighing heavy on me and I lost my freshness. I stopped looking for one-on-one situations and just started playing it safe." ...getting criticised by Franz Beckenbauer: "He was right. Anyone can play and short pass. It was OK for a first term. I'm going to get stuck in properly next season, then the criticism will be justified." ...his weaknesses: "I need to improve my heading and naturally my defending. And I could do more about my pace and energy." ...his preferred position: "I'm happiest in central midfield where Ballack plays. I'm at my strongest there. But for the time being I'm just delighted to get on the field." ...Michael Ballack: "Its a massive thing when you get to play alongside him. He never loses the ball. If you have him nearby, you know you can always pass to him." ...his ambitions for 2003-4: "I intend to become a regular next season. I'm not totally mad, but to play at Bayern you have to be self-confident. I'm playing at my favorite club and I'm determined to make the breakthrough." ...his long-term goals: "Naturally, I'd like to be involved in the 2006 World Cup in my home country. And earlier, if it works out."
Regarding your original question: 'no' is the answer. That doesn't mean that he won't make it or has no chances to become a star, but there surely will be others first. The hype is made as he is very young and plays for Bayern. A closer look will tell you that his performances were not good in the average (4.17 kicker average is awful), which means that he isn't ready to perform in Bundesliga yet and usually was carried through the games by his outstanding team mates. He got the playing time as Bayern was safe in the league and they could afford to rest slightly injured players, who in a real competitive situation would have played. Furthermore he first has to get back to normal as the starting time seems to have affected his mind a little - he was supposed to carry the German U20 to the EC with other highly praised players like Trochowski or Rensing, but anyone of them failed even on their age level.
I disagree somewhat with Olaf. I think Schweinsteiger has tremendous potential. The times I saw him play I was fairly impressed. He seemed skillfull on the ball with good instincts, very athletic with good size, and remained active. I thought, with the time he did play, Schweinsteiger was able to make positive contributions without having to be compensated for by his talented teammates. He even scored in one game I watched. He is only 18 and getting quality minutes on a star-studded team like Bayern, regardless of the situation, is very impressive. Since I expect Bayern to go deeper in the CL in the coming season, Hitzfeld will have to rely on his bench more often (more games, more injuries, fatigue, etc. for the starters). So Schweinsteiger should get even more minutes and thus opportunity to prove himself. I think he has potential and will do even better. It remains to be seen in the next 2 or 3 years just how good Schweinsteiger will be. But I think he will be very, very good and Rudi Voeller might even give him a look eventually. Bayern and Germany star? Well, it is way too early in Schweinsteiger's career and development to tell. But it will be fun to watch him develop and the potential is definetely there.