Bayern Munich: An alternative to the monthly squad power rankings — August 2017

Bayern Munich monthly squad power rankings are back for the 2017 season! Well, not really. Instead, here’s an alternative to the basic squad power rankings.

An alternative? Why? Simply, Bayern Munich have not had enough time to warrant any power rankings. Similarly, due to the injury crisis, there’s not been a great amount of squad rotation.

Rather than putting together power rankings based on a limited amount of competitive matches, I decided to highlight various players who have given performances deserving of more or less playing time throughout the pre-season and Bayern’s first four competitive games.

Who should play more?

Several players had a strong start to the 2017 season, but a few names stand out above the rest. Kingsley Coman, Thomas Muller, Sebastian Rudy and Corentin Tolisso have each made strong arguments for more playing time in Carlo Ancelotti’s starting XI.

Kingsley Coman

Coman gave his biggest proof in this past weekend’s Werder Bremen match. Coming on as a sub in the 63rd minute, the young French winger immediately injected life into a dull Bayern squad. His pace and trickery was too much for the Bremen defense, and he created Lewandowski’s first-goal within ten minutes of coming on.

The Frenchman was equally excellent against Chemnitzer in Die Roten’s DFB Cup opener, putting in an utterly professional performance. Coman’s been in fantastic form throughout recent months, and it would be a shame for Carlo Ancelotti not to include him more often in the Bayern starting XI.

Sebastian Rudy

Sebastian Rudy has established himself as an early front-runner for the surprise player of the season. Instead of being the utility man most expected he would be, Rudy has already become an important player for the Rekordmeisters.

Only Joshua Kimmich was better in the Supercup tie against Dortmund, and even that is debatable. The ex-Hoffenheim man has taken over superbly the role previously played by Xabi Alonso. However, Rudy can defend much better than the Spaniard and is much more mobile as well. If early signs are any indication, Sebastian Rudy could become a vitally important player for the Bavarians.

Corentin Tolisso

Possessing all the qualities necessary of a modern midfielder, Bayern’s record signing has seamlessly transitioned to life in Bavaria. His Bundesliga debut was nearly perfect, scoring a first-half goal and touching the ball more often than any other player. Coco was equally great throughout the entire pre-season and this past weekend against Bremen.

Expect much, much more from Tolisso as he settles in completely at Bayern Munich. It’s already evident the trust Carlo Ancelotti has in his new man, and that trust can (and will) only grow. The €41.5 million pricetag attached to the 23-year-old could very soon be considered an absolute bargain.

Thomas Muller

Rather than sounding like a broken record in my constant plea for justice to everyone’s favorite Bavarian, I’ll include this link for a more in-depth look at exactly why Thomas Muller must be a mainstay of Carlo Ancelotti’s starting XI. Although his skills are at times hard to see, don’t you dare underestimate the worth of the world’s best space investigator.

Who should play less?

Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery

It’s plain to see Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery are nearing the end of their playing careers. The pair of wingers have served Bayern Munich faithfully for nearly a decade, but it’s time for the club to move on.

Both players are still certainly game-changers and some of Bayern’s most influential stars, so they shouldn’t be completely relegated to the subs bench. However, it’s time for their games to come in moderation.

James Rodriguez, Thomas Muller and Kingsley Coman must be prepared to take over from the aging wingers as Robert Lewandowski’s support crew. They won’t be all on their own, however. Carlo Ancelotti is blessed with a midfield full of players more than capable of being a real attacking threat. Even without Robbery, Bayern’s attack is still a serious threat.

Javi Martinez

This one could be a bit divisive. Yes, you read that right. Javi Martinez needs to play a little less, at least for the time being. His play in recent weeks has been quite poor, and with the great form of new signing Niklas Süle, perhaps it’s time to leave Javi on the bench for a bit.

Süle is quicker, better in the air, has better positioning and (so far) isn’t prone to silly mistakes. Javi, on the other hand, has become renown for being less of a help and more of a hindrance. He gets caught out of position too often and gives the ball away way too easily. Furthermore, he’s ridiculously injury prone.

Next: Renato Sanches misses Bayern Munich match to decide future

Even when he returns to match fitness, Javi Martinez should slowly be reincorporated into Carlo Ancelotti’s starting XI.