Bayern Munich: Jerome Boateng can prove his elite status at World Cup

Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng has a chance to create history with Germany at World Cup and reestablish himself among the world’s elite.

Germany received a major boost when Manuel Neuer was declared fit for the World Cup. The Bayern Munich number one is set to lead the German national team in their quest to defend their title. Apart from Neuer, Germany have also received another encouragement in their defensive department, as Jerome Boateng is also fit for the World Cup.

Boateng suffered an injury in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals against Real Madrid. Since then, he has been working hard to be fit for the World Cup. It has been a strange couple of seasons for Boateng, but the World Cup provides him the perfect stage to show that he still belongs on the list of the world’s best center-backs.

Joachim Low’s trust in Boateng can do wonders

Bayern Munich won the historic treble in 2013, and Boateng played a key role for that team. He progressed well under Pep Guardiola and became a more complete center-back. Boateng was tipped to improve even further, as he was entering the prime years of his career.

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After the arrival of Carlo Ancelotti at Bayern in 2016, however, things changed drastically for Boateng. He struggled with injuries that kept him out of the squad for the initial part of the ’16-17 season. By the time he was completely fit, Ancelotti had made Javi Martinez and Mats Hummels his first choice center-back pairing. Boateng was rotated with them and struggled to perform in the limited chances he got under Ancelotti.

There were even reports about Boateng leaving the club last summer. However, the defender was keen to fight for his place. Ancelotti stuck with his preferred pairing for the beginning of this past season, but due to poor results he eventually got the axe.

Bayern hired Jupp Heynckes on an interim basis after Ancelotti’s departure, and this appointment eventually allowed Boateng to change his fortunes at the club. Heynckes reinstated Boateng to the starting lineup as Javi Martinez moved back into defensive midfield. The German defender did not get back to his best straightaway, but slowly regained his form.

Jupp Heycnkes trust in Boateng played a huge role in him returning to form at Bayern. German national team manager Joachim Low also trusts Boateng in a similar way and he is likely to use Boateng in Germany’s starting lineup. This trust will go a long way in helping Boateng perform well in Russia.

Boateng has the ideal personnel around him to succeed in Russia

In the ’16-17 season, Bayern Munich conceded very few goals in the Bundesliga. Despite their defensive record, they leaked goals in crucial games. Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels formed a very good partnership for Germany in 2014. They slowly brought similar level of understanding at Bayern this past season as they played together more frequently.

Hummels has been Bayern’s best center-back this season. Moreover, Joshua Kimmich has also established himself as the first choice right-back for Germany. He too had a fantastic season in Bavaria. With the return of Manuel Neuer, Boateng is surrounded in defense by some familiar personnel. Boateng was able to slowly get back to his best this season with these players and having them in the national side will further boost his performances.

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Conclusion

The German defender’s stock has fallen to a such an extent that Bayern Munich are reportedly ready to sanction his sale in the summer for the right offer. Boateng has the right platform in the World Cup to prove that he is still one of the best center-backs — if not the best center-back — in the world. A strong campaign with Russia will bode well for him next season.