With the signing of Min-Jae Kim, Bayern’s new defense is taking shape. With consequences for game and player.
Min-Jae Kim will strengthen Bayern’s defense next season. IMAGO/aal.photo
Bayern paid 50 million euros for the 26-year-old South Korean, who defended extremely successfully and impressively for SSC Napoli last season. That kind of person doesn’t come for the bank. Bayern’s main central defense should therefore consist of Kim and Matthijs de Ligt next season. On paper, a two-man bulwark that first has to work in practice. Both are strong in the air, skilful and uncompromising in duels.
However, both also prefer to play with their strong right foot. This isn’t ideal for build-up, but it’s no drama either. After Lucas Hernandez tore his cruciate ligament, who left Paris St. Germain, Bayern’s central defense has always consisted of two right-footed players, with de Ligt usually taking over the half-left part in the back four.
Upamecano has to stretch
Kim’s signing also means the highly talented but overall flawed Dayot Upamecano will have to stretch. And Benjamin Pavard would still be there at the moment, so far no offer has been received for the Frenchman who has submitted his change request. In the final stages of last season, Pavard ousted Upamecano on the right in the back four, he worked well with De Ligt for the most part.
Kim is considered to be fast and good at building up the game. FC Bayern can use both elements. As usual, Alphonso Davies should provide the necessary speed in the back left, but the recently stagnant Canadian faces competition from Raphael Guerreiro, who brings in a more playful element. In this position, coach Thomas Tuchel can vary according to form, opponent and gut feeling.
Construction site in the back right and the question of the position behind Neuer
It is more open how things will continue on the right-hand side. In any case, Tuchel would like a new signing, Kyle Walker (33, Manchester City) or, in the event of cancellation, an alternative. That should only strengthen the desire to change at Noussair Mazraoui. Currently Pavard would still be available, plus Josip Stanisic as a reliable alternative. And even newcomer Konrad Laimer could appear there.
When it comes to defense, one should not forget the goalkeeper position, which is so important. If Manuel Neuer’s comeback succeeds as planned, this should also contribute to stability. But it is also clear that after the experiences of the past season, Bayern will not only start the new season with Neuer and Sven Ulreich.
The fact that Yann Sommer is leaving Munich after only six months is a foregone conclusion. A trail leads to Inter Milan, where regular goalkeeper André Onana may say goodbye to Manchester United.
2023-07-11 07:39:39
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