Bayern Munich officially kick-off their ’17-18 Bundesliga campaign this Friday. Here’s some things to keep your eye on as they head into their new season.
1) Sebastian Rudy, Bayern Munich’s midfield general
Of all Bayern Munich’s new players added over the summer, Sebastian Rudy perhaps seemed the least ambitious. The German international was one of the Bundesliga’s best midfielders last season and a wonderful captain at Hoffenheim. However, that did not stop anyone from questioning his move to the Bavarian capital.
In fact, in my transfer rankings published a few weeks ago, I rated him as Bayern’s least important signing made this year. But if his displays for Bayern so far are any indication, I could not have been any more wrong.
He gave a man-of-the-match performance in Bayern’s Supercup victory over Borussia Dortmund, playing in a midfield trio alongside Corentin Tolisso and Arturo Vidal. He also came up big this past weekend as Bayern swept aside third division side Chemnitzer FC in the DFB Cup. Again featuring alongside Corentin Tolisso but this time in a double pivot, Rudy once again proved he isn’t content to watch from the sidelines in Munich.
The Bavarians lost a major cog in their machine when the last season came to an end. Legend of the game Xabi Alonso retired from playing, leaving the club without their most experienced midfielder. Although age was certainly taking its toll on the Spaniard, he nevertheless was important to the way Carlo Ancelotti operated his squad.
Many see Corentin Tolisso as the heir apparent to Alonso. However, in light of recent games, it looks like Sebastian Rudy might actually be the man for the job. Keep your eye on the midfield general as Bayern Munich launch their ’17-18 Bundesliga campaign.
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.
Hands up if you can't wait for #Bundesliga! pic.twitter.com/goLDQz0m77
— 🇺🇸 FC Bayern US 🇨🇦 (@FCBayernUS) August 13, 2017
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.
3) When will Bayern Munich’s backline stop leaking goals?
If Thomas Muller’s return to form was the highlight of Bayern’s pre-season, then their abysmal defensive record was certainly the lowlight.
For some time now Bayern Munich’s defense has been questionable at best. Particularly when forced to deal with the counter-attack, the Bavarians’ backline just can’t stop leaking goals.
It’s a problem of which many teams across Europe are well aware. Several clubs took advantage of it last season. More recently, however, Borussia Dortmund did the same. By pressing their backline and counter-attacking with pace, the Black-and-Yellows exposed the flaws in Bayern’s defense.
Javi Martinez and Mats Hummels simply don’t have the pace to keep up with Europe’s fastest attackers. Jerome Boateng can’t seem to fight off his lingering injuries (a problem that also plagues Hummels and Martinez, albeit to a lesser extent).
Young Niklas Süle was brought in to give Bayern depth at center-back. However, the German could become a vital part of Bayern’s squad much sooner than expected. He’s surprisingly quick for his massive frame and would bring some much needed pace and energy to the Bayern backline.
Manuel Neuer returns from injury soon as well. While Ulreich has done admirably in the new captain’s stead, Die Roten are more calm and collected when the world’s best goalkeeper is playing between the sticks.
No matter the root of the issue, Carlo Ancelotti has to find the solution soon. If the Italian can’t manage to fix Bayern’s backline problems, he could be facing the same disappointment as last season.
4) James Rodriguez, Bayern’s Colombian superstar
James Rodriguez was brought into Munich from Real Madrid this summer on a two-year loan deal. The move features a buyout clause, so if his loan spell turns out well then Bayern can opt to make his move permanent.
The Colombia international began life at Munich on a high-note, looking extremely good in each of his pre-season matches. He didn’t manage to grab his first goal in red, however, before picking up a muscular injury in Bayern’s Audi Cup clash against Liverpool.
No official return date has been given regarding James’ return to the first team, but the initial report suggested a timeframe of a couple weeks.
Regardless of when his return comes, there’s no doubt that his official competitive debut is one of the most exciting aspects of Bayern’s new season kicking-off.
He’s the best big-name signing Bayern could have made this season (out of the players available) for a few reasons. It appears he’ll fit perfectly into the Bayern Munich squad. Not only that, but he’s also a globally recognized superstar. His off-field presence is almost as important as his on-field talent. Furthermore, he’s already proven he works well with Coach Carlo Ancelotti, who seems to know how to get the best out of the Colombian.
Rodriguez is one of the most talented players in Europe and could be a massive addition toa Bayern Munich. His creativity and attacking prowess might just be that X-factor the Bavarians have been lacking in the later rounds of the Champions League throughout recent seasons.
5) Robbery is nearing its end
A change of guard is in order. Just as last season marked the end of professional soccer for two legends of the game in Xabi Alonso and Philipp Lahm, so too may this season for Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben.
The iconic “Robbery” duo has been a staple of Bayern Munich’s squad for the better part of a decade. They’ve terrorized opposition defenses for years on end, becoming two of the most feared attacking players in Europe.
However, the end is in sight for Bayern’s beloved wingers. While they’re both still capable of beating any defender on their day, age is beginning to take its toll, and both Robben and Ribery are in the twilight of their careers.
It’s more obvious for Franck Ribery. The Frenchman simply can’t produce at the same level that saw him land a top three spot in the 2013 Ballon d’Or voting. Ironically enough, its actually Arjen Robben who has mentioned the possibility of retirement. The Dutchman has been less affected by age than his counterpart, but nevertheless knows the end of his playing career is in sight.
Although it will be tough to see the pair go, its something that has to happen. And Bayern Munich must prepare for it; they must learn how to operate without their legendary wingers. That means Carlo Ancelotti has to leave one or both of them out of his starting eleven more often than not and instead field their potential replacements.
Next: Bayern Munich are not selling Renato Sanches this summer
Age is inevitable. Players don’t last forever and clubs have to find a way to operate without them. This could be the final season for both of Bayern’s aged wingers. The days of “Robbery” are coming to an end; enjoy them while you can.