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Examining how Corentin Tolisso will fit in at Bayern Munich

By Benjamin Scott

TURIN, ITALY - NOVEMBER 02: Corentin Tolisso (R) of Olympique Lyonnais in action against Sami Khedira of Juventus during the UEFA Champions League Group H match between Juventus and Olympique Lyonnais at Juventus Stadium on November 2, 2016 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
TURIN, ITALY - NOVEMBER 02: Corentin Tolisso (R) of Olympique Lyonnais in action against Sami Khedira of Juventus during the UEFA Champions League Group H match between Juventus and Olympique Lyonnais at Juventus Stadium on November 2, 2016 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images) /
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MADRID, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 28: Arturo Vidal (C) and Thiago Alcantara of FC Bayern Muenchen look on during the warm up prior to the UEFA Champions League Group D match between Club Atletico de Madrid and FC Bayern Muenchen at Vicente Calderon Stadium on September 28, 2016 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 28: Arturo Vidal (C) and Thiago Alcantara of FC Bayern Muenchen look on during the warm up prior to the UEFA Champions League Group D match between Club Atletico de Madrid and FC Bayern Muenchen at Vicente Calderon Stadium on September 28, 2016 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) /

Squeezing in to a “crowded” midfield

Just a few weeks ago, hardly anyone would have anticipated Bayern signing Corentin Tolisso. On paper, Die Roten‘s midfield appears to be one of their strongest areas. Arturo Vidal is one of Europe’s most feared box-to-box midfielders and Thiago Alcantara can expertly unlock any defense with his graceful dribbling, impeccable vision, and exquisite passing.

Joshua Kimmich and Renato Sanches are two of Europe’s hottest young prospects. New-addition Sebastian Rudy is coming off the season of his career and is ready to prove he has what it takes to be a regular in the Bayern starting XI. On top of this, manager Carlo Ancelotti has the option of bringing Javi Martinez back into midfield after spending several seasons in central defense.

It might seem that Bayern’s midfield does not need reinforcements, but that’s not entirely the case. In fact, only one of those players is guaranteed a place in Ancelotti’s preferred XI for the foreseeable future: Thiago Alcantara. Yes, I understand nobody is guaranteed a place in the line-up, but let’s be real, Thiago’s not going anywhere as long as he’s fit.

Arturo Vidal is a close second, but the Chilean is not without flaws. His playstyle (though we love it) is not conducive to a long-career and he now finds himself on the wrong side of 30. Furthermore, his recklessness was a big detriment to Bayern in the latter half of last season. Unless he learns to discipline himself, he could end up being more of a liability than a help.