A Pandemic-fueled look into the future for 2020-2021: Bayern Munich's defense
- Chuck Smith
- Mar 24, 2020
- 6 min read
Photo by Saurav Rastogi on Unsplash
(Wipes dust off keyboard...takes sip of fine Belgian beer...commences to write first Bayern Munich piece since October 2019)
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the board room discussions have not slowed down with Bayern Munich. Depending on who -- and what -- you believe (FALK FLEXXXXXXXX), the Bavarians could be headed for a bit of a roster re-tooling. So while the world continues to spin and there is A LOT of more serious discussion to be had about the state of the world's health, the economy, etc...let's take a little umleitung from serious things and take a look at some of those possibilities.
Potential Exits
David Alaba: While he may not generate the headlines or even garner that much fanfare outside of those who keenly watch the Bundesliga, Alaba is indisputably one of the key reasons why the Bavarians have excelled under Hansi Flick this season. With multiple big-named suitors (FC Barcelona, Real Madrid) hot on the trail of Alaba, however, it makes you wonder if Bayern is heavily considering that they already have a younger, cheaper, and capable option in Alphonso Davies who can play left-back -- and who has shown glimpses that he's a future star at the position.
Does that mean Alaba should go? Absolutely not!
Alaba has shifted inside to center-back to become a composed and stable presence on the back-line --- something that was missing since Mats Hummels bolted for Borussia Dortmund. When Niklas Sule went down with a season-ending knee injury, Bayern saw Jerome Boateng scuffle (until recently...more on him in a bit), Lucas Hernandez live up to his oft-injured billing, and Benjamin Pavard shifted out-wide to accommodate Joshua Kimmich's move to the central midfield. Alaba has been a dynamic fit as a center-back and has proven that he can capably play the position moving forward. His pace, vision, and ability cover so much of the pitch has made him an incredible weapon for Bayern's Flicki-Flacka system (I still love the person that coined that...big credit to you sir or madam!).
Without Alaba, Bayern's resurgence simply would not have been possible. If the Austrian would accept a permanent move to center-back, retaining him at all costs is a NO BRAINER. In addition to his excellent performance centrally, he also can mentor Davies, provide depth at both left-back and central midfield (not that the Bavarians needs any more depth in the already-loaded midfield group). Simply put, there might not be another player as underrated at Alaba on the Bayern roster.
All that said, a rich contract and a fresh start in Spain or England could be appealing to the savvy 27-year-old.
Should be back: 10/10
Will he be back: 7/10
Jerome Boateng: While his season got off to an absolutely dreadful start, Boateng has quietly shrugged off that rocky beginning and put together a very nice season. While he may not have had many suitors last summer, Boateng's performance likely has increased his value abroad as he will likely leave in search of one final hurrah as a full-time starter.
There is really something to be said for how Boateng has revived his season. He could have pouted and packed it in, but Boateng kept battling and re-gained his form. That type of perseverance rubs off on other players.
Admittedly, I was one of those shouting from the rooftops at various points over the past two years that Boateng was playing as if he already had his bags packed, but maybe not. Maybe he wants to #StickWithFlick, but all signs are pointing to a fresh start for the defender.
Should be back: 6.5/10
Will he be back: 4.5/10
Everyone Else
Benjamin Pavard: In my mind, Pavard was going to be in the center-back rotation with an occasional spell at right-back to give Joshua Kimmich a rest. Kimmich's abrupt move to the central midfield, however, left Pavard as the only real option at right-back for most of the Hindrunde and the unquestioned starter for the Ruckrunde. While he was shaky inside, Pavard has excelled on the exterior. With Kimmich expected to stay in the central midfield, Pavard now appears to be the long-term start at right-back, who can also provide depth at center-back.
Should be back: 10/10
Will he be back: 10/10
Lucas Hernandez: The first season in Germany for the former Atletico Madrid star has been a flop. In the rare occasions where he has not been injured, Hernandez has been inconsistent at both center-back and left-back. At this stage, the €80M man has not lived up to his billing. With Alaba's future in limbo, Hernandez's stock in Munich could become more valuable, but should Alaba re-up, I would not be opposed to Bayern finding a good loan destination or a buying partner for the Frenchman (we all kn ow this will NEVER happen after Bayern dropped that much coin on him, though). Sure, the talent is there, but a young player like Hernandez is not likely going to want to take a back seat to anyone at this stage of his career.
Does that assessment sound harsh? Maybe..but Bayern knew signing the injury-prone defender was a calculated risk. The club had to know this was a possibility, but I'm not sure Bayern anticipated that Hernandez's performance on the pitch would be so choppy.
Consider this as well: If Alaba re-signs and stays at center-back, could Hernandez beat out Davies for the starting left-back spot? If not, are you comfortable using two left-footed center-backs for the long haul of a season (assuming Niklas Sule needs some time to get himself back to full capacity)?
Should be back: 6/10
Will he be back: 9.5/10
Alphonso Davies: Davies has been a revelation at left-back this season and has rocketed on to the radar of most people as one of the rising stars in Europe. Despite that evolution of his game, Davies might still be yearning for a push up the pitch into a wing position. With Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry already in tow and the club reportedly ready to permanently sign Ivan Perisic, Davies might be fighting an uphill battle --- especially because Bayern is rumored to at least have some interest in Manchester City's Leroy Sane and RB Leipzig's Timo Werner (who would seemingly get some time at wing if Hansi Flick has anything to say about it).
Right now, I am perfectly content with Davies continuing to develop into one of the finest left-backs in the world. That statement would have seemed absurd at this time last year, but here we are.
Should be back: 10/10
Will he be back: 10/10
Niklas Sule: A major knee injury derailed Sule's inaugural campaign as the defensive leader, but he was not living up to expectations prior to his ACL tear. Still, Sule has an exceptional skill-set, great strength, and underrated pace. The biggest question for Sule is this: Will he recover on-time from his knee injury or will he need an extended timeframe like Corentin Tolisso? It's impossible to guess, which makes it really hard to gamble on the big man being ready to be a consistent force on the back-line early next season. If he regains his form, Sule and Alaba would be an absolutely terrific solution in the central defense for Bayern.
Should be back: 10/10
Will he be back: 10/10
Alvaro Odriozola: Odriozola's biggest impact to date was lopping off a piece of Ivan Perisic's ankle bone in an overzealous challenge during training. The Real Madrid-loanee probably shouldn't get too comfortable in Germany.
More like Odriozol-no, amirite?????
Should be back: 0/10 Will he be back: 0/10
Potential Breakthrough Players
Chris Richards: The American spent some time playing outside-back this season, but before the Pandemic took over, Richards was getting consistent time at center-back. The skill and ability are there, but now it's time for an opportunity. Will Richards get his chance in Bavaria? I think so...but he might have to be patient. Still just 20-years-old, Richards can make a strong case to force his way on to the senior roster once things pick back up, but it will be interesting to see if Bayern tries to loan the youngster away to get first-team experience with another Bundesliga side.
Should be back: 10/10
Will he be back: 9/10 (slight loan potential)
Lars Lukas Mai: Similar to Richards, Mai will also turn 20 soon and has also shown the potential to be a part of the Bayern Munich senior team at some point in the near-future. Mai, who has had some experience already with the first-team, could also be in line for a loan to get much-needed experience in the top flight.
Should be back: 10/10
Will he be back: 7/10 (loan potential)
Check back tomorrow as we tackle Bayern Munich's somehow confusing goalkeeper situation.
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