Five things to watch as Bayern Munich head into new season

2) Thomas Muller is finding his stride

For some time now, Bayern Munich fans have been waiting patiently for their number 25 to break free from a spell of poor form, and it seems that time has finally come.

Since the beginning of the year, the Raumdeuter has slowly improved. Although his last season’s goal total was less than satisfactory, he did end the season with his best ever Bundesliga assist tally. He finished with a team-high 12 assists, which also placed him in the runner-up spot for the entire league.

Thomas Muller finished the ’16-17 season in better form than he began it, but his final few performances still weren’t quite up to the lofty standards he has set for himself. A long summer holiday and busy pre-season might just have fixed that.

In almost all of Bayern’s pre-season matches, Muller stood out as one of the premiere players. His excellent displays were a shining light in an otherwise dull pre-season for the Bavarians.

He was similarly great once again as Bayern defeated Borussia Dortmund in the 2017 Supercup. Muller constantly threatened the Dortmund defense and was a bit unlucky not to have grabbed himself a goal.

Perhaps it’s the extra time off which has helped Muller regain his form and confidence. Perhaps it’s that he’s been wearing the all-important captain’s armband in Manuel Neuer’s stead. Whatever the case, we may just have the Thomas Muller we all know and love back.

Being one of the few Bavarian-grown players left in Bayern Munich’s squad, Muller’s importance to the club cannot be overstated. As Bayern head into their new Bundesliga season, Thomas Muller and his newly found form could prove indispensable.