Europe’s top teams separate the wheat from the chaff in the spring. Which squad is broad enough, who is unlucky with injuries, what is the squad’s general fitness level? Nuances then decide between success and failure in the Champions League.
FC Bayern is particularly in focus. On the one hand, because the German record champions are one of the favorites in the premier class due to their great form, but also because the squad is on edge and personnel problems may be expected in the decisive phase. But three convalescents could help.
More speed & power
As a suitable counterpart to Konrad Laimer Alphonso Davies act with his power at left back. The Canadian is gradually coming back from his knee injury and can hope to play minutes again for the first time tomorrow, Tuesday (6:45 p.m.) against Sporting Lisbon. If Davies quickly finds his old strength, the 25-year-old will be one of the top people in his position – in all of Europe.
Media: Bavaria in the fight for Barco & Oulaï
So far, Vincent Kompany has primarily resorted to alternative solutions. Sometimes Josip Stanisic helped out on the left, sometimes the strong but defensively vulnerable Raphaël Guerreiro had to take over the role, sometimes Laimer moved into the unfamiliar position. The ideal solution is and remains Davies, who will now be gradually introduced to the team. If there are no health setbacks, Davies would most likely be a permanent fixture at Bayern again in the crucial Champions League games from the round of 16 onwards.
Left-footed in defense
What role Hiroki Ito (26) will play over the course of the season is far less clear than with Davies. The Japanese offers Kompany the opportunity to use a left-footed player in the left central defender position. That would be ideal for game setup. The duo Jonathan Tah and Dayot Upamecano – both equipped with a strong right foot – remain first choice for the time being.
On the one hand, with Ito we still have to wait and see how long the metatarsal will last after three fractures. On the other hand, the question arises as to whether the Japanese international has the quality to displace Tah or Upamecano in the medium term. The role as a rotation player to allow the two to take time out every now and then is not an insignificant one given the tight schedule.
Difference player Musiala
Last but not least is the return of Jamal Musiala to. The 22-year-old exceptional player was seriously injured at the Club World Cup in the summer and is currently being rebuilt. It is not yet clear when Musiala will be able to take part in the action again. What is certain, however, is that he can give the German record champions’ already brilliant offensive an additional boost.
Bayern transfer in limbo: The plan with Olaya
If Musiala picks up where he left off before his injury, he will be an important factor in the games against Europe’s elite. Players like Luis Díaz, Serge Gnabry, Michael Olise and Lennart Karl should also benefit from Musiala’s presence. On the one hand, because you can rotate more often, but also because Musiala always ties up several of the opponent’s players with his dribbling and thus creates space for colleagues.
Related reading
