Bayern Munich manager Niko Kovac pleased with Joshua Kimmich
Niko Kovac heaps praise on Joshua Kimmich for delivering top performances in the midfield for Bayern Munich.
It was a disappointing weekend for Bayern Munich as they were held for a 1-1 draw by RB Leipzig on Saturday. Niko Kovac was annoyed with the result as Die Roten couldn’t kill the game when they were dominating RB Leipzig in the first half.
There were mixed individual performances for Bayern in this game. Joshua Kimmich was one of the better players for Die Roten. He had a solid outing in the midfield against his former club. The German midfielder dictated the tempo of the game in the first half with his impressive passing range.
In the second half, he showed the defensive discipline, making crucial interceptions and tackles to disrupt Leipzig’s moves in the final third. Niko Kovac was pleased with the way German midfielder executed the duties of a holding midfielder in this game.
Speaking to media (via TZ), Kovac admitted that Kimmich has the qualities to play in any position. The Croatian manager believes that only a handful of players in the world have such all-round abilities to play in multiple positions.
"“We are glad that we can use him in several positions.”“Josh plays well everywhere. He’s got qualities that not many players have, not only in the Bundesliga but worldwide.”"
More from Bayern Strikes
- Bayern Munich: Tactical takeaways from 2-2 draw against Bayer Leverkusen
- Bayern Munich: Kingsley Coman set to be fit for Manchester United clash
- Bayern Munich unlikely to move for Trevoh Chalobah in January
- Bayern Munich: Key lessons from draw against Bayer Leverkusen
- Bayern Munich remains keen on hiring Max Eberl
Kimmich has been one of the most consistent performers for Bayern in the last two seasons. The German international has slotted seamlessly in the right-back position. His contribution in the final third is tremendous as he has fantastic delivery in his locker.
However, Kimmich has always preferred to play in the midfield position. He plays the role of holding midfielder for Germany, while Kovac used him in that role in few games last season. Kimmich will get more opportunities to play in midfield this year due to the arrival of Benjamin Pavard at the club.
The Frenchman has looked comfortable in the right-back position against Schalke, Mainz and RB Leipzig. However, he lacks that cutting in the final third, which Kimmich provides in this role. Kovac will be pleased to have both players in his squad as both options allow him to be tactically flexible.
Despite Kimmich’s strong performances in midfield against Leipzig, Kovac might be forced to move him back in the defense on Wednesday. The German champions suffered a massive blow on Sunday as David Alaba is expected to be out for several weeks due to thigh injury.
Next. Bayern Munich held by RB Leipzig-Player Ratings. dark
Lucas Hernandez will slot in the left-back position, while one of Benjamin Pavard and Jerome Boateng will partner Niklas Sule in central defense. If Pavard plays in the center-back role, then Kimmich will move back into the right-back position. Replacing Kimmich in midfield for few games will not be a big issue for Kovac as there are quality options in the midfield department of the squad.