Niko Kovac: Bayern Munich need a world class defensive midfielder
Bayern Munich manager Niko Kovac believes his current squad lacks a world class defensive midfielder.
Bayern Munich have already smashed their previous record transfer fee in the process of overhauling their squad for next season. Die Roten paid €80 million to seal the transfer of Lucas Hernandez from Atletico Madrid, the second highest fee ever paid for a defender. Hernadez will join the Bavarians in the summer alongside fellow France international Benjamin Pavard.
Bayern have addressed their defensive woes by signing these two talented defenders. Numerous reports from Germany suggest the Bavarians will now focus on harvesting young attacking talent to replace Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery. The club might also look for an attacking midfielder if they decide against signing James Rodriguez on a permanent deal.
The defending Bundesliga champions are already well stacked in midfield. Hence there have been virtually no reports suggesting Die Roten might add one more midfielder to their roster in the upcoming transfer window, aside from Marca‘s recent claim that Bayern are showing interest in Rodri. Speaking to RMC, Niko Kovac claimed, however, that Bayern currently lack a world class defensive midfielder. The Croatian further explained how the absence of such a player can be compensated by others in the squad.
"“Today, to succeed — and I’m going to take France as an example — you need a player like N’Golo Kanté.“Bayern Munich had these kinds of players, and today we do not have a player like him, and those who are here have to do this job, which means that defending is the task of every player.”"
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Thiago Alcantara has been the main man in midfield for Kovac this season. The Spaniard has delivered consistent performances throughout the campaign, but he is not a natural defensive midfielder. He is at his absolute best when he is played with a holding midfielder and given the role of a number eight.
Javi Martinez is the most accomplished defensive midfielder in the squad. The Spaniard has enjoyed a fine run of form in the last two months, which included a brilliant performance against Liverpool at Anfield. However, Martinez is on the wrong side of 30, and his lack of mobility also makes him unsuitable for this role over the course of a complete season. The Spaniard wants to stay at the club, while Bayern could be willing to listen to offers for him amidst interest from Athletic Bilbao.
Apart from these two midfielders, most of Bayern’s midfielders excel in a number eight or number ten role. Joshua Kimmich can play in holding midfield, but he is already the world’s best right-back and will likely continue to feature in that role. Kovac’s comments surely indicate that Bayern might search for a defensive midfielder in the upcoming summer window.
Next. Bayern Munich among clubs interested in Atletico Madrid's Rodri. dark
Frenkie De Jong was briefly linked with Bayern before he joined Barcelona in January, while there was reportedly interest from Bayern in Adrien Rabiot during the winter break. Aurelien Tchouameni has also been loosely linked with Bayern and would be a great — if not a bit risky — fit for the role. Bayern will be strong defensively next season, but the addition of a younger and more mobile defensive midfielder than Javi Martinez would surely help them compete on Europe’s biggest stage.