Bayern Munich: Joshua Kimmich plays down Philipp Lahm comparisons

Bayern Munich right-back Joshua Kimmich recently opened up on comparisons between him and Philipp Lahm, and more, in an interview with France Football.

Since joining Bayern Munich from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2015, Joshua Kimmich has gradually become an integral player for the Bavarians. He is now one of the absolute best players in the squad and arguably the team’s most important player if you consider the importance he holds for the future.

Kimmich is an extraordinarily versatile player, capable of excelling at many different positions across the pitch. Naturally a central midfielder, the position he most often played at RB Leipzig and the club of his youth VfB Stuttgart, the 24-year-old is now most often found storming up and down the flank from right-back.

He’s been so impressive for the Bavarians on the right side of the pitch — he has already earned the mantle of world’s best right-back — that many have forgotten his predecessor was one of the best full-backs to ever play.

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Philipp Lahm was a pillar of both Bayern and the German national team for a decade, a defining figure of how full-backs should play. Kimmich, however, has transitioned seamlessly into the role and made it his own. Naturally, comparisons have been made between him and Lahm. Speaking in a recent interview with France Football (via Bundesliga.com), however, Kimmich reassured that he has some way to go before reaching the level of his former teammate.

"“His consistency was incredible. You can count his bad games on one hand. I would like to commit as few mistakes as he did, whether it’s in terms of positioning, anticipation, clearances, and to be as intelligent on the field.“It’s on that level that he is a source of inspiration, with his ability to make the right decision between managing a situation or taking risks. That’s what he knew best, but it’s also the most complicated to do and to keep doing. He’s a Bayern legend, and one of German football. To be considered as such, you need to have been convincing on the highest level over many years.”"

It’s nice to see that Kimmich still has feet planted firmly on the ground, despite his rapid rise to prominence as one of the Europe’s elite players. He is, of course, right that he still has a long way to go before reaching the status of Philipp Lahm, but he is on the right path to establish himself as an equally important figure in Bayern lore.

Kimmich also spoke of his admiration for former Barcelona star Xavi Hernandez and his old Bayern teammate Xabi Alonso, citing the pair as inspirations for him. A full English translation of Kimmich’s responses in the interview can be found here.