Germany legend Franz Beckenbauer has hailed the influence of a rejuvenated Michael Ballack on the current national team.

Beckenbauer said of the Chelsea midfielder: "Spain have fantastic players like Fabregas but they have no leader on the pitch, no real captain. Ballack is a real leader and he can make the difference. When he goes on to the pitch, his body language says from the first moment: 'Here I am'.

"Anybody who wants to beat Germany must get past him first."