Three takeaways as Bayern Munich give Hoffenheim a 5-2 thumping
Despite going down two goals early, Bayern Munich fought back to earn a convincing 5-2 win over Hoffenheim. Here’s three takeaways from the exciting match.
Look out Franck, there’s a new “King” in town
Perhaps the most obvious takeaway from yesterday’s match was Kingsley Coman’s superb performance on the left flank. After a decade of scintillating displays at Bayern Munich, it’s time Franck Ribery passes his crown on to Bayern’s new French “King” of the left wing.
Forget all the poorly-made puns. Kingsley Coman is the real deal, and proved (once again) yesterday that he is more than capable of taking the reins from his elder Frenchman.
His chemistry with David Alaba is growing in every match, as is his confidence, passing accuracy and finishing. At just the tender age of 21-years-old, Coman is really coming into his own in Bavaria.
It was his superb cross to Corentin Tolisso which led to Lewandowski’s equalizer. It was his trickery and cool finish that gave Bayern their lead. And there’s no doubt it should be him featuring on the left flank for Bayern’s most important matches.
Serge Gnabry aces his Bayern “audition”
It’s already been confirmed that Serge Gnabry will be playing at Bayern Munich next season. The young German has been impressing all season with his performances at Hoffenheim and is eager to show what he’s got at Germany’s top club.
And in yesterday’s game he showed exactly what he has to offer the Bavarian giants. His pace, smart movement and general attacking prowess proved a constant menace for the Bayern defense.
He did well to get the better of compatriot Joshua Kimmich early on. His smart movement and positioning helped win the penalty that led to Hoffenheim’s shock opener.
Although he missed his penalty (thanks to a great save from Sven Ulreich), he more than made up for it with a rocket of a shot less than ten minutes later. He didn’t just excel offensively though. His constant pressing seriously hindered Bayern’s ability to play from the back. Had his whole team been up to his level of play, perhaps yesterday’s game would have ended much differently.
Gnabry was far and away Hoffenheim’s most threatening player throughout the match. If he keeps up with impressive displays like yesterday’s, he’ll have no problem making his way into the Bayern Munich first-team.
Wagner gets his first Bayern goal
Last week, I remarked about how nice it was for Bayern to have a legitimate back-up to Robert Lewandowski on-hand. Someone who can replace the Pole late in a match without Bayern losing any attacking threat.
Against Hoffenheim, though, Wagner showed what a threat he can be alongside Robert Lewandowski. As one of three well-made substitutions, Wagner scored his first goal since returning to Munich against his previous club.
The goal wasn’t anything to write home about, mostly just a case of some good awareness and positioning, but it’ll be huge for Wagner and his confidence. His celebration after the goal shows exactly how much it means for him to be back in Munich at his dream club.
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The German striker adds much variety and depth to Bayern’s attack, and could very well play a much larger role this season than any could imagine. He might even go on to be a key player for Joachim Low as Germany seek World Cup glory again this summer.