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Bayern Munich vs. PSG: Four key battles to watch at the Parc des Princes

By Benjamin Scott

MUNICH, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 22: Joshua Kimmich of FC Bayern Muenchen controls the ball during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and VfL Wolfsburg at Allianz Arena on September 22, 2017 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Bongarts/Getty Images)
MUNICH, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 22: Joshua Kimmich of FC Bayern Muenchen controls the ball during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and VfL Wolfsburg at Allianz Arena on September 22, 2017 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Bongarts/Getty Images) /
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Bayern Munich travel to Paris on Wednesday for one of the most exciting Champions League clashes yet. Here’s the key battles to watch as the Bavarian giants take on the Parisians.

Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich. Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Bongarts/Getty Images
Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich. Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Bongarts/Getty Images /

1. Joshua Kimmich vs. Neymar

Bayern Munich have had a roller-coaster of a ’17-18 season so far. At times looking like world-beaters and at others looking no more threatening than their mascot “Berni,” the Bavarians have frustratingly struggled to maintain any semblance of consistency.

However, there have been a few beacons of hope even during the dark times. Perhaps the brightest of those is the revelation of young Joshua Kimmich at right-back. Often hailed as the “next Philipp Lahm,” Kimmich has not only done well in taking over from his predecesor, but has gone one step further.

He has settled into life on the right-flank seamlessly, making the position his own. Registering three assists, Kimmich gave a man-of-the-match worthy performance at right-back just two weekends ago against Mainz.

There’s no doubt he’s been fantastic in the position, but even the bravest of full-backs would be excused for fearing Kimmich’s upcoming opponent. The Germany international is in for his toughest test yet on Wednesday, when he will be tasked with keeping PSG’s record signing, Brazilian sensation Neymar, in check.

Many consider the Brazilian to be one of the world’s very best, and he’ll be eager to prove any doubters wrong in his first big European match with his new club. Finally stepping out of Lionel Messi’s shadow, who better for Neymar to prove himself against than German giants Bayern Munich?

Both Joshua Kimmich and Neymar have a point to prove. No matter who comes out on top, one thing is certain: this will be an intense battle that you’ll definitely not want to miss.