Stefan Kießling knows all about pressure. Stefan is not unduly concerned that even more is expected of him now that his congenial striking partner, Patrick Helmes, is out of action for months. He is used to pressure. Stefan felt pressure from an early age in his hometown of Nuremburg where experts claimed he was best attacking prospect in German football. And pressure continued when he moved to Bayer 04 three years ago. The considerable transfer fee stirred up similarly considerable expectations. The media have obviously drawn comparisons between Bayer's dynamic fair-haired front man and the former Werkself star Dimitar Berbatov. Not an easy act to follow.

"Kies", the blue-eyed boy, who at first appeared more thoughtful than his friends knew him, has survived all that. Stefan gave his all as he followed a path that led to his debut for Germany on 28 March 2008 (in a friendly against Denmark). He was helped by his born fighter nature, his readiness to criticise his own performances, his willingness to learn, his optimism and his ambition. "I like celebrating particularly when I score a goal. Of course, it's even better if you get all three points as well." That happened all too infrequently after the winter break. The keen cook from Franconia is determined to do all he can to change that.

The current circumstances could not be better suited to that target. Stefan is happy. He married Norina in a dream wedding during the summer break. And his young son Tayler completes the family. It is logical that the man with the winning smile who is prepared to run and run and to throw himself into every tackle in a game is now intent on relaunching his career in the search for success on the pitch.

Position: Attack
Squad number: 11
Date of birth: 25 January 1984
Nationality: German
Height: 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in)
Weight:78 kg
Joined club: 2006
Previous clubs: FC Nürnberg, Eintracht Bamberg
International appearances: Germany