Bayern Munich defenders Joshua Kimmich and Mats Hummels and striker Robert Lewandowski have been nominated for the 2018 FIFPro World XI.
2018 wasn’t the most successful year for Bayern Munich, when viewed in terms of trophies won. The Bavarians won another Bundesliga title, yes, but failed to pick up any more silverware (unless you include the 2018 SuperCup).
Despite their shortcomings in the Champions League and DFB Pokal, the year could have gone much worse for Bayern, and there are still some positives that can be found, as evidenced by the Bavarians’ three FIFPro World XI nominees.
One of the brightest spots of this past season is how Joshua Kimmich has developed into a perfect replacement for Philipp Lahm. Not only has the 23-year-old made the position his own at Bayern, he’s also practically established himself as the best right-back in the world.
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It’s no surprise that he’s received a nomination for the World XI. Since taking over from Lahm at the beginning of last season, Kimmich has amassed six goals and 19 assists for Bayern in all competitions.
Joining Kimmich from Bayern’s defensive ranks is center-back Mats Hummels. The German may not be the quickest, but he’s one of the smartest and most elegant center-backs in all of Europe.
Finally, rounding up Bayern’s nominees is prolific striker Robert Lewandowski. 2018 was an underwhelming year for the Pole by his lofty standards, but the fact that he still received a World XI nomination is testament to the immense quality he possesses.
Though he’s no longer a Bayern player thanks to his move to Barcelona over the summer, Arturo Vidal also received a nomination to the FIFPro World XI — which is puzzling to say the least.
The Chilean has been one of the best box-to-box midfielders for the past several years, but his form has taken a serious dip in 2018. Vidal hasn’t played a full match since March, missing out on the rest of the year thanks to injury. Prior to that, he only made a single goal contribution in all of 2018. To say he’s been on a steady decline for the past year or so would not be putting it harshly.
Perhaps James Rodriguez, whose exclusion from the World XI shortlist is entirely shocking, should have taken his place. The Colombian was arguably Bayern’s best player last season after joining on loan from Real Madrid. Unlike Vidal, James has the numbers to back up his claim as one of 2018’s best players. He may not have made the final XI, but James is more than deserving of a nomination.
If any of Bayern’s trio make the final XI it will undoubtedly be Joshua Kimmich, who has proven himself the best in his position. However, it will be surprising to see the young German claim his spot, as other, more successful options are sure to make the final XI.