After demolishing FC Barcelona in the Champions League and bidding them goodbye as the Catalans moved on to the Europa League, Bayern Munich decided to prove themselves in the league against a bogey side at Mainz 05 and they impressed! It was a walk in the park for the Bavarians as they weaved their magic home and here are the players we think deserve a shout out.
Shirt swap: Marcus Ingvartsen
Ingvartsen’s goal was called a consolation goal, but in reality, it could only be described as a stab in the heart of all Bayern Munich fans. Silvan Widmer and Anton Stach were perhaps more deserving candidates for the Jersey Swap, they were simply the better players even in a rather ill-fated Mainz side (although better than Barcelona in midweek!) but Widmer’s goal on Set piece didn’t hurt as much as Ingvartsen used Sven Ulreich’s poor passing range to get into the back of the net.
The Kaiser: The side post Matthijs de Ligt
In fairness, the whole defense, led by that full-back, was excellent – the full-back was a regen from Franz Beckenbauer. Thanks to the players, Dayot Upamecano was solid, Alphonso Davies played like his life depended on it, Noussair Mazraoui was just brilliant but De Ligt takes the honors. Personal prejudices aside, the Dutchman is simply Bayern’s best centre-back. His defensive awareness, skill and commanding presence make Bayern the wall they have been and the two goals conceded were just unfortunate.
Today, his presence was more and more important. He made several crucial interceptions and kept things organized at the back and with each passing game it becomes more and more apparent why Bayern have had their eye on the defender for as long as they have. . He has become the leader at the back that the Bavarians have needed all along. He’s not the first Jerome Boateng, but De Ligt might one day surpass Boateng’s legacy.
Fussballgott: Leon Goretzka
No question about this choice as the lion in midfield continues to prove why he is such an asset to Bayern.
Gone are the days when we complained about the height of his positioning on the pitch, because it is this exact positioning that improves the team. The game is what makes Goretzka the monstrous offensive threat that he is, and his positioning only helps him make the most of his vast skill set. His power is that he can just do anything and that is evident in every game. His goals are just wonderful and the goal he scored today was no different. His drool-worthy passing was also on display today.
Gone are the days when it looked like Leon Goretzka would struggle to earn a place in the starting XI as he is simply unstoppable.
The bomber: Jamal Musiala
I know, Serge Gnabry was an excellent suitor and Sadio Mané too, but come on, it’s Jamal Musiala.
First of all, how good can this kid be?
He already has ten goals and each of those goals is testament to how deadly he is in front of goal. Musiala scores from positions most experienced players wouldn’t dare. Simply put, his instinct in front of goal is unmatched.
What makes Musiala so special is her ever-expanding skill set. His outrageous dribbling brings defenders to their knees and his pace can perhaps only be surpassed by Alphonso Davies himself. His intelligence, his awareness and his positioning convince me that he is ready to replace Thomas Müller when the dreaded day of the by Raumdeuter retirement is coming. In these dark times, it helps to know that young Bambi will do his best to fill the shoes of the greatest attacking midfielder who has ever lived.
Master of the match: Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting
Calm down people, I know you think Mané deserves it. But listen to me.
It’s just in — Choupo-Moting has scored in five successive games, and today was #5. Looking back, the fact that coach Julian Nagelsmann didn’t give the Cameroonian any substantial playing time until some time ago is astonishing.
What Choupo brings to the table is very simple – unparalleled presence, brilliant link-up play and experience the team can certainly use on offense. He’s a team player, the likes of which Bayern haven’t seen since Mario Mandžukić. He doesn’t make the big attacking moves like Gnabry or Mane, but the subtle moves he does have taken the attack to new heights. We can talk endlessly about Choupo’s traits and the little things he does to strengthen the attack, but this man is so special that a small section couldn’t do justice to everything he does for this team.
Interested in more game analysis? We talk about the tactical changes Julian Nagelsmann made to make Bayern Munich so much more threatening in our post-match podcast. Listen below or on Spotify.
As always, we appreciate all the support!
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