Michael Ballack can be the most influential player of Euro 2008, according to Germany coach Oliver Bierhoff.

The Chelsea man has been in superb form since returning from an ankle injury at the turn of the year, and he has carried that on to the international arena, scoring Germany's second in a 2-1 win over Serbia at the weekend.

'Ballack has all the qualities you need [to be the tournament's leading player] and could grace the stage of such a big tournament,' said Bierhoff, who believes club disappointments could spur his captain on.

'He sees the chance to win a title, something that he missed out on over the last few weeks,' he added.

Ballack has now won in excess of 80 caps for the national team, having made his debut in 1999 against Scotland. His 36 goals demonstrate his capability of influencing games at the highest level.

Having had major contributions at both the 2002 and 2006 World Cups, the 31-year-old will be hoping that this is his year to impress on the European stage, and repeat the feats of Bierhoff and Co. in 1996, when the Germans were victorious at Wembley, beating the Czechs thanks to two Bierhoff goals.

They begin their hunt for the Henri Delaunay trophy on Sunday when they meet Poland in Klagenfurt.

'Opening games are always important,' Ballack himself has said. 'You know how fit you are and you want to get a great result to get confidence for the next games and the rest of the tournament. So the start is very important.

'We played two preparation games, I feel well and I am not injured. I hope I can stay fit all through the tournament.'