How Bayern Munich will shape up with James Rodriguez

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BARCELONA, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 18: James Rodriguez of Real Madrid CF celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the La Liga match between RCD Espanyol and Real Madrid CF at the RCDE stadium on September 18, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) /

A modern staple: 4-2-3-1

The 4-2-3-1 is the formation most commonly associated with Bayern Munich. Jupp Heynckes led Bayern to a treble using this formation. Pep Guardiola tinkered with several formations at Bayern before settling on it, and Carlo Ancelotti too chose this as his final formation last season.

Bayern Munich play best when the three attackers behind the striker are given freedom to fluidly roam across the attacking third. In this formation James Rodriguez would still technically be positioned on the left wing, but would have much more freedom. Rather than being confided to the left side of the pitch, James could roam inside and better use his creative playmaking abilities.

Just as Bayern play best when their attackers are given freedom to roam, the same is true of James Rodriguez. The 2014 World Cup Golden Boot winner does his best work when allowed to roam outside and cut back inside.

He uses his fantastic vision, precision passing, and expert decision making to set up his teammates. If not passing, James creates space and fires home a long-range screamer with his rocket of a left foot.

Playing James in any three of the attacking midfield positions would be the best way to integrate the talented Colombian into Bayern Munich’s already impressive squad without a tactical overhaul.