The former French full-back believes that Lucas Hernandez is a perfect signing for Bayern Munich.
Bayern Munich ended the season on a fantastic note as they won the domestic double. However, the season was not smooth sailing for the Bundesliga champions. Die Roten delivered inconsistent performances throughout the season and dropped points from winning position. The defense was the weakest link of the team as they consistently leaked goals.
The club hierarchy decided to solve the defensive issues in the summer window. Bayern decided to build the new defense around the two world cup winners- Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard. The deals for the French duo were agreed even before the season came to a conclusion.
Hernandez is currently Bayern’s most expensive signing. Speaking to Bild (via Bundesliga.com), former Bayern full-back Bixente Lizarazu had words of praise for Hernandez. Lizarazu admitted that the former Atletico Madrid defender is a complete full-back as he is good in defense and attack.
"“I see a lot of left- and right-backs, who have problems in defense and are only good going forward. But Lucas Hernandez is good in defense and in the attack. He is very strong and has a lot of potential.”“Bayern have made a good choice. He plays how I used to back in the day.”"
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Bayern had to beat competition from numerous top clubs to sign Hernandez this summer. The German club tried to secure his signing in January but Atletico Madrid had no plans to sell him midway through the season. They eventually sealed the deal for the French defender at the start of March when his season with the Spanish club was over due to a knee injury.
Hernandez has been playing in the left-back position for Atletico Madrid and France. His initial first-team games under Diego Simeone came in central defense. He is expected to play in the central defense for Bayern as David Alaba has nailed down the left-back position.
Kovac currently has three solid options for central defense in Niklas Sule, Hernandez and Pavard. The German champions were expected to keep Mats Hummels for one more season but he decided to join Borussia Dortmund this summer. The two clubs reached an agreement over transfer fee last week. Jerome Boateng is also expected to leave after Uli Hoeness advised him to find a new club to get regular gametime next season.
Die Roten is heavily linked with VfB Stuttgart’s Ozan Kabak after the departure of Hummels. Hernandez meanwhile confirmed to Sky Sports in Germany that he will be fit for the pre-season tour. The Frenchman underwent knee surgery in March after sealing a move to Bayern.