A Pandemic-fueled look into the future for 2020-2021: Bayern Munich's midfield

Chuck Smith
Mar 26, 2020
6 min read

If there was ever a position that was overflowing with talent in Bavaria, it is the central midfield. Of course, this logjam is nothing new. Dating back to Pep Guardiola, Bayern has had the blessing of having too much talent in the central midfield and the curse of having to find a way to keep it all happy has plagued each manager since.

This has been a problem that Guardiola, Carlo Ancelotti, Jupp Heynckes, Niko Kovac were not able to solve and one that Hansi Flick is treading lightly with. For the purposes of this exercise, we're including Thomas Muller and Philippe Coutinho as midfielders as they both cite the #10 as their desired spot in the lineup.

Potential Exits

Thomas Muller

The engine in Bayern Munich's offense has had a superb season --- particularly under Hansi Flick. Muller's importance to Bayern as a team and as a club cannot be underscored, but he has also spent three consecutive seasons in his prime being doubted and benched by Carlo Ancelotti and Niko Kovac. Muller, however, has persevered and proven that he is still an elite player --- and also vitally important piece of Bayern Munich. Given his fitness, it could safely be estimated that Muller has two-to-three very good years left to help guide the Bayern offense. His work rate is off-the-charts and his production (particularly his assists) has been terrific.

It is odd, of course, that each season for the past three years has started with a coach seemingly trying to kick dirt on the grave of Muller's career. Each season, however, he has responded by proving his worth. While everyone always touts the competitive environment at Bayern, it could be strongly argued that the 30-year-old is a bit sick of starting each season being brushed aside, only to fight his way back to being one of the most integral members of the squad.

If Hansi Flick is retained, Muller should be one of the priority contract extensions for the club. If not, Bayern mighy be crooning some Cinderella lyrics (🎶"Don't know what you got till it's gone"🎶) soon enough.

Should be back: 10/10 Will he be back: 7/10

Philippe Coutinho

Yes, Coutinho still has talent and the 27-year-old could be a good player at another club, but the FC Barcelona-loanee has been a disappointment with Bayern. In fact, you could make a very strong argument that the pressure on Niko Kovac to use Coutinho not only put the squad in an early hole in the standings, but also contributed to getting Kovac sacked. It's okay to be a very good player, who just doesn't fit with a club. James Rodriguez, Sebastian Rudy, Lukas Podolski, and Xherdan Shaqiri are all fine players who just could not excel in Bavaria.

Returning Coutinho to Barca should be an absolute no-brainer regardless of what happens with Muller.

Should be back: 0/10 Will he be back: 1/10

Corentin Tolisso

Tolisso has undeniable talent, but has regressed a bit because of the time required to battle back from a horrific knee injury suffered back in 2018. With the ability to affect a game offensively and also a player that always displays a tremendous work ethic, Tolisso will be a smart investment for any club. His issue in Munich is that he is just buried on the depth chart.

Whatever club is lucky enough to bring in Tolisso will likely be getting him back at full capacity. Tolisso is one of those cases where a player needed two years to completely regain form after a devastating knee injury. It seems very unlikely that Tolisso will be back with Bayern, but if Thiago, Leon Goretzka, or Thomas Muller make an exit, the club might be inclined to make a play to convince the 25-year-old to hang around.

In the end, Tolisso needs to be on the field and needs to rejuvenate his career for his own good. Bayern should let him have that opportunity.

Should be back: 4/10

Will he be back: 2/10

Javi Martinez

The situation Martinez -- like last year -- boils down to this: Is the 31-year-old willing to take a role as a veteran reserve who can swing between midfield and center-back or does he want to make a move to a smaller club where he can he a starter? Martinez is smart enough to know that he's never going to be a regular in the Bayern line-up again, but still might feel like he can offer a club something on the pitch. I get the feeling -- despite his love for the club -- that Martinez is heading home to Spain.

Should be back: 5/10

Will he be back: 5/10

Thiago Alcantara

Thiago's situation seems to always be on a roller coaster. There are defined periods of greatness and some brief, down moments of ineffective play. Make no mistake, there is FAR more good than bad to Thiago's game. The question on the 28-year-old is mainly regarding where he wants to spend his future. If he wants to be in Germany than the club will almost certainly bring him back, but if Thiago would like to ply his trade elsewhere, Bayern might let him go chase that dream.

Thiago is one of the most calm players on the ball on the planet. His value to any team would be off the charts, so naturally, the decision on where he wants to be is probably up to him ---and him alone.

Should be back: 8/10

Will he be back: 9/10

Leon Goretzka

Goretzka's recent hints about being unhappy with his role are putting Bayern Munich in an interesting predicament. Goretzka's athleticism and dynamic offensive play from his preferred spot at the "8" give Die Roten a unique talent than uniquely affect games, but the 25-year-old is a player who has likely been most hampered by the midfield logjam. Instead of having a consistent and steady role in the starting XI, Goretzka has been a rotational player who alternates between looking sensational and apathetic. Clearly, Goretzka's confidence and production would be greater with a consistent starting role.

Truthfully, Goretzka should be one of the players that Bayern is trying to build around for the future, but if he cannot be guaranteed more playing time, the former Schalke 04 man might let his eyes start to wander elsewhere.

Should be back: 9/10

Will he be back: 8/10

Michael Cuisance

Cuisance is a fascinating case. At 20, the Frenchman is a developing, young talent -- but also a player that will not likely find consistent playing time at the Allianz Arena. The Bayern bosses need to take a long look at what is the best developmental path forward for Cuisance. Should he stay in Munich and hope to learn by osmosis on the bench (and also in the ever-important day-to-day training environment) or should be take a loan away to a smaller club (or even a foreign power that can offer field time) where he can prove his mettle and give Bayern a reason to slot him in as a future stalwart in the central midfield?

Bayern has been reluctant to discuss moving Cuisance so far, but depending on what happens around him (do Muller, Tolisso, Goretzka, Coutinho, or Thiago leave? Does Bayern sign Kai Havertz?), the board might entertain shipping him off to Italy in a loan-with-an-option-to-buy deal (AC Milan is the current club rumored to be hot on Cuisance).

One way or the other, Bayern will capitalize on Cuisance's talent...it just could be in the form of revenue rather than performance on the pitch.

Should be back: 6/10

Will he be back: 8/10

Potential Breakthrough Players

Adrian Fein

The 21-year-old Hamburg loanee has opened eyes this season and could be the true "6" that Bayern would like to have on its roster. Should the club plan to bring Fein back, it would almost assuredly end the tenure of Martinez in Munich. Fein is a player who has shown he's ready for prime time, but will it be with Bayern Munich?

A guess on Fein would be that he comes back to Bayern next season and is given at least half a year to prove his mettle. If he's not up to the "Bayern Standard", he'll be shipped out to a place where he'll have a future.

Should be back: 7/10

Will he be back: 7/10

Everyone Else

Joshua Kimmich

Kimmich is about as untouchable as any player in Bayern's recent history. He was the best right-back in the world, yet still held enough sway to convince the team to push him into the central midfield. He's a future captain and a key cog in Germany's international hopes. The kid isn't going anywhere.

Should be back: 10/10

Will he be back: 10/10