Bayern Strikes
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Five Bayern Munich players who could be in for a big season

By Kiran Thakare

MUNICH, GERMANY - AUGUST 13: Kingsley Coman (3rd row, 2ndL) and Corentin Tolisso (2nd row, R) of FC Bayern Muenchen chat during the team presentation at Allianz Arena on August 13, 2018 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by A. Beier/Getty Images for FC Bayern)
MUNICH, GERMANY - AUGUST 13: Kingsley Coman (3rd row, 2ndL) and Corentin Tolisso (2nd row, R) of FC Bayern Muenchen chat during the team presentation at Allianz Arena on August 13, 2018 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by A. Beier/Getty Images for FC Bayern) /
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Joshua Kimmich has been stellar since joining Bayern Munich. Can he bring more of the same this season? (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Bongarts/Getty Images)
Joshua Kimmich has been stellar since joining Bayern Munich. Can he bring more of the same this season? (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Bongarts/Getty Images) /

Joshua Kimmich

Bayern Munich lost a big player last summer as Philipp Lahm brought curtains to his illustrious career at after winning the Bundesliga title under Carlo Ancelotti. The German champions didn’t dig deep in market to get a replacement for Lahm, though, and instead maintained faith in Joshua Kimmich. The 23-year-old German international repaid this faith perfectly in his first full season as a right-back.

Kimmich was one of the best full-backs in Europe last season. He developed an excellent partnership with his teammates and provided a new dimension to Bayern’s attack. Kimmich racked up a staggering 14 assists in all competitions.

The German has also developed a knack of scoring big goals, ending the season with six total. His consistent performances were rewarded by Bayern with a contract extension earlier this year. Whether he’s used as a full-back or a more traditional wingback, Kimmich should be a crucial player for Niko Kovac this season.

After a fantastic season last year, Kimmich is expected to reach a new level this season. He still struggles defensively against the best wingers, but he’s improving. He’s exceptional going forward, but his attacking potency sometimes makes him a defensive liability for the team. He is still 23, though, and has the perfect attitude to rectify the weaker aspects of his game. Kimmich has settled wonderfully in his “new” position and should become an even more important player for Bayern this season.