Bayern Munich held by RB Leipzig-Player Ratings
By Kartik Sahni
![LEIPZIG, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 14: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been digitally enhanced.) Christopher Nkunku of Leipzig and Thiago Alcantara of Bayern Munich jump for a header during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and FC Bayern München at Red Bull Arena on September 14, 2019 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Bundesliga/Bundesliga Collection via Getty Images) LEIPZIG, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 14: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been digitally enhanced.) Christopher Nkunku of Leipzig and Thiago Alcantara of Bayern Munich jump for a header during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and FC Bayern München at Red Bull Arena on September 14, 2019 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Bundesliga/Bundesliga Collection via Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/ec8f824b48cb903ff626ea7bf19358c097e1fe0b3619f33a6a10192be6f9ce58.jpg)
Joshua Kimmich
Rating: 8/10
It was another brilliant performance from Joshua Kimmich who, once again, exemplified the number six role.
Kimmich was constantly seen moving around the pitch as he orchestrated the transition for Bayern. He was excellent on the ball, creating link-ups from defense to attack. Although he sat deep to provide Thiago an opportunity to surge forward in attack, Kimmich managed to covered 13.11 kilometers on the pitch. (Stats courtesy: Bundesliga.com)
In his defensive role, Kimmich persistently blocked the passing channels for Leipzig through the middle of the park. It was his positional acumen that kept Bayern compact through in the central areas. It was another classic performance from Joshua Kimmich.
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Thiago Alcantara
Rating: 7/10
He was given the permit to play as a number eight. Thiago operated as a box-to-box player for Bayern.
While his passing remained tidy, he was dispossessed easily on a few occasions. The Spanish maestro linked well with the defense and attack. His understanding with Kimmich was excellent.
He hardly posed a threat in the attacking third and was seemingly contained by the opposition. His vision and sublime one-touch passes remain incomparable though. This marked an average display for Thiago.
Thomas Muller
Rating: 6/10
Niko Kovac opted to use Muller in the number ten role instead of Coutinho’s for this match. Muller’s performance would have been below par had it not been for his assist for Robert Lewandowski’s goal in first half. It counts as the only key contribution from Thomas Muller who was sturdy enough to win the ball from Klostermann and release Lewandowski for Bayern’s goal.
The German did make decent runs during the attacking phase but never tested the goalkeeper. As an attacker playing in the hole, it was expected from Muller to take a few shots at the goal.