Dayot Upamecano has transformed into Bayern Munich’s defensive chief, earning high praise from former Germany international Toni Kroos following a standout display in the UEFA Champions League.
The French center-back delivered a commanding performance during Bayern’s 2–0 victory over Atlético Madrid. His display prompted Kroos to highlight the player’s steep developmental curve on his podcast, Einfach mal luppen, which he hosts alongside his brother Felix.
Toni Kroos Notes the Shift in Upamecano’s Presence and Consistency
Kroos pointed directly to a reduction in mental lapses as the catalyst for Upamecano’s current form under head coach Vincent Kompany. Kroos observed that the defender has drastically reduced the decisive errors that previously plagued his game.
🚨🇫🇷 | Dayot Upamecano is currently one of FC Bayern’s top performers. In the 2-0 away win against Atlético Madrid, the 28-year-old once again delivered an impressive performance and received a special praise from Toni Kroos. pic.twitter.com/65nMTsrxKk
Man hat ihm immer angesehen, dass er das draufhat, aber er hatte eben oft entscheidende Fehler oder Unkonzentriertheiten dabei. Das hat er brutal reduziert,
Kroos stated on the podcast, noting that Upamecano now projects a completely different aura on the pitch. Er war immer schon ein guter Mann-gegen-Mann-Verteidiger, aber was er mittlerweile ausstrahlt, ist noch mal etwas anderes.
Kroos specifically highlighted Upamecano’s physical duel against Argentina forward Julián Álvarez during the match against Atlético. Der ist ein Weltklasse-Stürmer, aber er hat ihn mit dieser Wucht, mit dieser Ausstrahlung einfach weggedrückt und wirklich wegverteidigt,
Kroos said, concluding that the defender is operating at an incredible level.
Toni Kroos praises Dayot Upamecano's growth and his duel with Julián Álvarez: "What he radiates now, not just what he plays, is something else. You always saw that he had it in him, but he often had decisive mistakes or carelessness along with it. He's reduced that brutally, and… pic.twitter.com/0FviaBBuD0″
Max Eberl Recalls the Negotiations and Contract Extension to 2030
Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl expressed immense relief over securing the defender’s long-term future following difficult negotiations. Upamecano signed a contract extension in February that ties him to the club until 2030.
Gott sei Dank haben wir mit dem verlängert. Gott sei Dank ist er bei uns im Verein,
Eberl said after the match against Atlético. Er spielt schon seit Wochen auf Weltklasse-Niveau, hat das letzte Saison schon getan, auch bei der WM, jetzt wieder.
The club originally acquired Upamecano from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2021 for a transfer fee of 42.5 million euros. Since arriving in Munich, the 28-year-old has become indispensable in the center of the defense.
Vincent Kompany Integrates Goalscoring Threat into Defensive Dominance
Under the tactical direction of manager Vincent Kompany, Upamecano has added a goalscoring element to his game during the 2026–27 campaign. Alongside his defensive duties, the Frenchman has already netted three goals in 12 appearances of the season so far.
Eberl emphasized this dual impact when assessing the defender’s current trajectory. unfassbar gut,
Eberl remarked. Er macht sogar Tore. Zu ihm ist eigentlich nichts zu sagen, außer Weltklasse.
Upamecano remains indispensable in the center of the Munich defense.
