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Bayern Munich: The Bavarian Collective end of season review

By bayernstrikesstaff

MUNICH, GERMANY - MAY 12: Players of FC Bayern Muenchen celebrate the 28th German football championship after the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and VfB Stuttgart at Allianz Arena on May 12, 2018 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images)
MUNICH, GERMANY - MAY 12: Players of FC Bayern Muenchen celebrate the 28th German football championship after the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and VfB Stuttgart at Allianz Arena on May 12, 2018 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images) /
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Four of our writers got together to review the ’17-18 Bayern Munich season, discussing our players of the season among a few other topics.

(Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images)
(Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images) /

Player of the season

Benjamin Scott

James Rodriguez. For me, choosing the Bayern Munich player of the season was pretty easy. The Colombian was simply on another level for much of the campaign. Seven goals and 11 assists in 23 Bundesliga matches is a good tally for any midfielder, but its a truly exceptional amount for a player to record in his debut season.

He has immediately added a new level of versatility and creativity to the Bavarian midfield. If he keeps up his level of play, James will be a key player for years to come.

A special mention should also be given to Kingsley Coman, who missed the final third of the season due to injury. Bayern were all the worse without the Frenchman, and — had he remained fit — there’s a good chance Coman could have been a difference maker for Bayern against Real Madrid and cemented himself as the player of the season.

Garett Kerber

Joshua Kimmich. For me, Joshua Kimmich is the player of the season. No other player stood out as being as consistently impactful as the young German. 6 goals and 13 assists across all competitions, plus a staunch reputation of being an excellent defender on the right, helped cement it for me.

I am struggling to think of a match he didn’t perform at a high level or seemed like he wasn’t positively effecting the match. He has filled in the hole left by Lahm excellently.

Kiran Thakare

Joshua Kimmich. Bayern Munich started this season without their most consistent player throughout the last 10 years. Philipp Lahm announced his retirement at the end of the last season. Rather than buying a replacement for the legendary full-back, Bayern turned to young Joshua Kimmich.

It was a huge ask for the 23-year-old midfielder, who endured a disappointing campaign under Carlo Ancelotti (despite some great performances). There were even reports about his exit thanks to a lack of gametime under the Italian.

However, Kimmich stayed in Bavaria and went on to complete the turnaround, making the ’17-18 campaign his best season in a Bayern Munich shirt. The German international maintained amazing consistency throughout the season. He was the most productive full-back in Europe and ended the season with six goals and 13 assists in all competitions.

Kimmich still has a lot to improve in his game, especially his defending. But he is likely to only improve further next season. It will be interesting to see how his productivity in the final third increases if Niko Kovac prefers to use him as a wing-back.

Guillermo Kurten

James Rodriguez. Despite Bayern Munich having far from their best season, there were some standout performers. In this case, one of the most clear highlights of the season was James Rodriguez. The Colombian had a notable debut season after making a shocking (loan) move from Real Madrid.

James has been dynamite for the German giants, creating 13 assists in all competitions and showcasing his ability to string together crisp and accurate passing averages. The Colombian star brings a dynamic and creative flair to Bayern Munich’s midfield. His addition provides an instant injection of world-class talent from which Bayern have only benefitted.

Despite the bargain acquisition of James Rodriguez, Bayern’s executives shouldn’t get overconfident. The club is still relying heavily on two particular wingers only ageing further into their 30’s. As flexible and versatile as James is, he’s best in the middle of the pitch when allowed to roam and create.