Salihamidzic hails 'unique' Muller

The former Bayern Munich utility man has praised the Germany international, who has helped to set the Bavarians up for a potential double-treble

EXCLUSIVE
By Christoph Kockeis
Thomas Muller is a unique player who is vastly underrated amongst the footballing fraternity, according to former Bayern Munich star Hasan Salihamidzic.
Muller, who was a member of the Bayern side which won the unique treble of Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and Champions League last season, has again excelled this term, scoring 22 goals in just 37 games to help the Bavarian outfit to within one win of another league title.
They have also qualified for the Champions League quarter-finals and Pokal semi-finals as they edge towards history and Salihamidzic believes the quality and adaptability of Muller have been key to Bayern's continued success.
"It seems like he does not care where he is playing," Salihamidzic told Goal. "He is always dangerous, plays for the team and has a great attitude. You need this, if you are playing different positions.
"I know what I am talking about. In my career, I played a lot of positions. He is doing it extraordinarily well, and that speaks for his character."
The 43-cap Bosnia and Herzegovina star, who served Bayern for nine years until 2007, says Muller is a player like no other.
"He is unique, he combines goals and assets, which others do not have," said the 37-year-old. "That's why he was one of the most important players for the German team in recent tournaments, and why he became the best young player and best striker at the World Cup 2010.
"He has got this instinct in front of the goal, is always running and is fast as lightning. Sometimes he is underrated, because of his style and he because doesn't have perfect ball control."
Muller's team-mate Xherdan Shaqiri told Goal that it is the 24-year-old's modest style which results in him not receiving the plaudits he deserves.
"His style is not very spectacular, but it is efficient," said Shaqiri. "He cannot shine with his technical skills, but with his goals he always shows that you do not need the best passing or the best ball control to become a top player."
The Switzerland international added that Muller's personality away from the spotlight allies his hard work for the team in front of the cameras, saying: "He is always laughing a lot off the pitch."
Victory for Bayern at Hertha Berlin on Tuesday would give Pep Guardiola's men their second successive Bundesliga title with seven games still to play, and would also extend their unbeaten league run to 52 games. The match at the Olympiastadion kicks off at 20:00CET.