'Chicago Fire need a leader like Bastian Schweinsteiger' - Ex U.S. coach Herzog

Former United States assistant coach Andreas Herzog has told Bild that Chicago Fire need a "leader" like Bastian Schweinsteiger.

Earlier this week, Schweinsteiger, 32, agreed a move from Manchester United to Chicago Fire where he could make his home debut on April 1 when Montreal Impact guest at the Toyota Park.

The Bayern Munich legend, who fell out favour under Jose Mourinho at Manchester United this season, has already been praised by former Chicago Fire defender Arne Friedrich as a signing which can "get the club and its surroundings to a new level."

And Herzog said that the MLS side needed a player like the 2014 World Cup winner to reach the playoffs.

"He might no longer be at the peak of his career, but he still has a few good years left in him," Herzog said. "To move to the U.S. now is exactly the right thing for him. The Americans have by now conceived the idea that resounding names only help when they are not too old."

After only playing 18 competitive matches during his 20 months at Old Trafford, doubts have been raised that Schweinsteiger can still compete at a high level, but Herzog believes that the former Germany captain will help his new club.

"Chicago need a leader like him," Herzog said. "He will be one of the cornerstones there. He can influence the match through his position in central midfield [and] is important both in attack and defence."