A football club has a feeling of pride when it gives players to the national team. Bayern Munich is certainly one club that has had that feeling more times than most.

The current Bayern squad is as star-studded as any football team in the world. This has mostly been the case for the club and it has rightly got the nickname – FC Hollywood. Bastian Schweinsteiger’s performance at Euro 2008 for Germany and his inability to make it into the Bayern starting 11 consistently last year, speak volumes about the depth of talent in the side.

After a lull in the 2006-07 season, they returned to win the Bundesliga and the German Cup last season and will start among the favourites in the next Champions League as well. The team look well organised and coach Jurgen Klinsmann is looking to come good on president Franz Beckenbauer’s high expectations. Jurgen has always had his own clear thinking and isn’t affected by names and likes to go in with a strong team rather than a bunch of stronger individuals.

Bayern just made the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup last season but retired keeper Oliver Kahn has tipped them to win the big one in Europe this season. “I trust Jurgen not only with the two title defences but also to a make a big impression in the Champions League,” said Kaiser Kahn.

Luca Toni at the front was the highest scorer in the Bundesliga as well as in UEFA Cup last season, while Miroslav Klose is probably the best in the world when the ball is airborne and the fleet-footed Lukas Podolski is a superb mover.

Schweinsteiger's public admission of his preference for Bayern, when he could have struck a deal of his choice anywhere in Europe, sums up the dedication of the players.

Turkish midfielder Hamit Altintop walks into the season in splendid form, having helped his national side reach the semi-finals of Euro 2008. He assisted all three goals in the comeback against the Czechs and then, after having sweated it out in regular and extra time, blasted a penalty against Croatia in the quarter-final.

Mark van Bommel, who has scored eight goals in 56 matches, has been sensational since moving  from Barcelona. And latest signing Tim Borowski along with French sensation Franck Ribery will complete the midfield.

While making long counter-attacking runs, Brazilian captain and central midfielder Lucio also provides experience to the back line. With Ottmar Hitzfeld replaced by Klinsmann, Willy Sagnol too will breathe positively. Philipp Lahm is raring to go after some stellar performances at Euro 2008 which found him a place in the team of the tournament. He is also the favourite to be given the armband by the new coach.

Coach Klinsmann was the target of the tabloid 'Bild' during his tenure as Germany boss when he refused to inform them of the playing 11 a day before the matches - but he has always done what he has believed in. His offensive approach to the game had also come under severe attack initially - but it later paid rich dividends.

Bayern have started with some exceptional pre-season performances and the team look on the right track. A smooth blend of the attacking play of Podolski and Ribery with Klinsmann’s plans and the mixture of youth and experience make them 'some' competition.

While other top clubs are still busy sorting out their transfer matters, the Bavarian outfit - with their deadly defence, a magical midfield, a flairy forward line and a charismatic coach - are set to clinch the European crown again.