Argentina's 1986 World Cup hero Maradona said Lahm 'could be the star of this World Cup', while Brazil's three-time World Cup winner Pele said he was Germany's stand-out player and did not get enough credit as he was a defender.

"I am not getting carried away. I did not even expect to play the first match after two weeks out through injury. It was emotional for me," Lahm said at a press conference.

"The main thing is to have fun playing football and then you can perform well."

In the month prior to the finals Lahm was out for two weeks and needed an elbow operation making his performances now even more remarkable.

"We were delighted with Philipp's first two performances. We know all about his qualities," said manager Jurgen Klinsmann.

"He is one of the best readers of the game and always manages to find a ball even when there are two or three players around him."

The 22-year-old Lahm, similar in style to France's 1998 World Cup hero Bixente Lizarazu with his speed and close control and who he ousted from the left back spot at Bayern, scored a brilliant opening goal in the 4-2 triumph over Costa Rica in the first group match.

He was then named man of the match after the 1-0 win over Poland in recognition for an action-packed display.

"I am grateful to the doctors, fitness coaches and the manager for helping me get back. It could not have gone any better," admitted Lahm, who made his debut for Germany in February 2004 against Croatia.

It has gone so well that English champions Chelsea are reportedly testing Bayern Munich's resilience to hang on to the player.

"The World Cup is my only concern at the moment," Lahm said. "I am not interested in what clubs may or may not be looking at me. The finals are the main thing."

Lahm, who says legendary Italian left back Paolo Maldini is his idol, admitted Germany had struggled defensively in the 4-2 win over Costa Rica and revealed there were lengthy discussions on how to tighten up.

"The back four talked a lot after the Costa Rica game. But we were not alone. The whole team talked about it," Lahm said.

"We received some criticism about the defensive errors but it was much better against Poland. We were more compact and that needs to continue."

After experiencing the disastrous Euro 2004 in Portugal, when Germany failed to win a match, Lahm is delighted to be in the last 16 of a major competition and says he would prefer to avoid England.

"We cannot pick who we want in the last 16. We have had big games against England in the past and we would rather play them later on," Lahm said.

Midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger, formerly of Aston Villa, agreed with his team-mate.

"England have good individuals and a real togetherness. We would rather avoid them," confessed 24-year-old Hitzlsperger.