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Bayern Munich: Corentin Tolisso must step up in Arturo Vidal’s place

By Garett Kerber

Bayern Munich's Corentin Tolisso (2-L) is exchanged for Arturo Vidal during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Bayern Munich and VfL Wolfsburg in the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, 22 September 2017.(EMBARGO CONDITIONS - ATTENTION: Due to the accreditation guidelines, the DFL only permits the publication and utilisation of up to 15 pictures per match on the internet and in online media during the match.) Photo: Matthias Balk/dpa (Photo by Matthias Balk/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Bayern Munich's Corentin Tolisso (2-L) is exchanged for Arturo Vidal during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Bayern Munich and VfL Wolfsburg in the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, 22 September 2017.(EMBARGO CONDITIONS - ATTENTION: Due to the accreditation guidelines, the DFL only permits the publication and utilisation of up to 15 pictures per match on the internet and in online media during the match.) Photo: Matthias Balk/dpa (Photo by Matthias Balk/picture alliance via Getty Images) /
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Bayern Munich midfielder Corentin Tolisso won a World Cup with France this summer, now he must win a spot in Niko Kovac’s starting XI.

In the three friendlies Bayern Munich have played this preseason, Niko Kovac has experimented with a few different formations. They have consistently played with four in the back, though, so it seems safe to assume that is the direction the Croatian manager plans to go.

Joshua Kimmich and David Alaba seem cemented in as the right and left backs, respectively, with Niklas Sule and Mats Hummels the presumed center-back pairing (assuming Jerome Boateng moves to PSG). In two preseason appearances, Javi Martinez has played in a center-back position, indicating his primary role will be on the back line. Bayern will need him for depth at the position, with few other experienced players available for the role on this roster.

Assuming the departure of Arturo Vidal means Thiago Alcantara is not leaving this summer, the possible beneficiaries of the Chilean’s move are Thiago, Leon Goretzka, Sebastian Rudy, Renato Sanches and Corentin Tolisso.

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Thiago could play a Vidal type role, but Goretzka, Rudy, Sanches and Tolisso all seem better suited to it. As I pointed out in my piece on why Thiago should be sold, the Spaniard is better in a possession-based system, which Kovac seems to be wanting to move away from. He exhibits excellent flexibility of position and should move around the field.

Corentin Tolisso needs to win that role as a top midfielder in the squad.

Corentin Tolisso came to Bayern last summer as the most expensive signing in Bayern Munich’s history. The 24-year-old’s first season in Bavaria produced 10 goals and seven assists in 40 appearances across all competitions, playing predominantly in central midfield.

Tolisso stands just under six feet tall and weighs about 172 pounds, nearly identical to the outgoing Arturo Vidal. Like Vidal, Tolisso is very controlled and hard to knock off the ball. He was dispossessed just once every two matches on average. Equally as impressive, Tolisso had just one bad control every two matches, as well.

Coco statistically matches well to Arturo Vidal. He had the same amount of goals and more assists than the Chilean last season, indicating his potential to be even more effective than his predecessor in Munich. Notably, his 90.4% pass success rate ranked just behind Thiago among Bayern midfielders, and he was fouled at one of the highest rates on the team at 1.5 per match.

This summer, he occupied a substitute role for France in the 2018 World Cup and was still able to exhibit the qualities that will make him so effective for the Bundesliga champs. He contributed to the title run by assisting on a goal and winning key fouls in five appearances for the eventual world champions.

Tolisso offers the best replacement for Vidal. In fact, his additional offensive ability provides an upgrade for a team that is going to want to get forward and on the attack fast. He will provide strength and control on the ball, like Vidal, but his offensive ceiling could prove to be a valuable weapon. Vidal was a solid offensive option, Tolisso can be better.

Next. Bayern Munich must be tactically flexible says Niko Kovac. dark

With a year at Bayern under his belt and a World Cup to his name, Corentin Tolisso has played in the biggest matches and shown himself to be an impact player in those matches. He’s ready to take the next step and become a key player for Bayern Munich in the 2018-19 season.