Germany coach Joachim Loew talked up the importance of captain Michael Ballack ahead of the friendly against Argentina in Munich on Wednesday night.
Ballack's role in the team has come under scrutiny in recent months but Loew is adamant the Chelsea midfielder is key to his plans ahead of this summer's World Cup finals in South Africa.
"Michael is an unbelievably important player who leads the younger players," he said at today's press conference.
"His presence in the squad is of huge importance."
Ballack will have to be at his best tomorrow against an Argentina side which is likely to contain the likes of Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi.
He may be joined in the centre of midfield by his former Bayern Munich team-mate Bastian Schweinsteiger, although Loew was not giving too much away this lunchtime.
"It is possible. Argentina are very dangerous through the middle and a partnership between Michael and Bastian could work very well," he said.
If Schweinsteiger is moved inside it could create an opportunity down the right for Toni Kroos or Thomas Muller, two youngsters who have made a big impression in the Bundesliga this season for Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern respectively.
"When Bastian plays in the middle, we need an alternative down the right and both (Kroos and Muller) play in that position," said Loew.
"To bring in youngsters against such an opponent may be a risk but it's one I am willing to take."
Loew admits the clash with the South Americans will be a useful indicator to gauge their progress as they continue their build-up to South Africa.
"It is an important test for us," he added.
"Argentina have outstanding individuals. We must not make many mistakes."
Loew expects an attacking approach from a team coached by former World Cup-winning captain Diego Maradona.
"As a player he was a genius, marked by creativity and offensive brilliance," he added.
"The Argentinians play attacking football and that philosophy certainly stems from the coach."
Irrespective of the result at the Allianz Arena, Loew is adamant his side's plans are right on track.
"We are on target," he said. "We have developed tactically and we have many young players in the squad."
Maradona himself said little at yesterday's Argentina press conference as his uneasy relationship with the country's press showed little sign of improving.
He did admit: "Germany wants to win, we want to win.
"It should be a spectacular game. We must have respect from Germany, my team fights until the last minute."
Messi is likely to start in Munich with in-form Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain playing a lone attacking role.
