Joshua Kimmich has once again reiterated his desire to play consistently in midfield for Bayern Munich.
The summer signings at Bayern Munich have made an impact on the positional change of few players. Joshua Kimmich has massively benefitted from the arrival of Benjamin Pavard as Niko Kovac has moved him back into midfield.
Kimmich played in right-back position against Hertha Berlin in August. After the return to complete fitness, Lucas Hernandez straightaway went into the starting lineup and paired with Niklas Sule in central defense. This allowed Pavard and Kimmich to play in right-back and holding midfield positions respectively.
Kimmich excelled in this role against Schalke, Mainz, and RB Leipzig. Kovac was also pleased with his performances. He admitted that only few players in the world have all-round skills like Kimmich to play in various positions.
Speaking to SportBild (via TZ), Kimmich explained about his role in midfield. The German midfielder admits that he will have a greater influence on the game if he is playing in midfield. It has been previously reported that Kimmich sees his long term future in the game will be in midfield.
"“On the pitch, I can exert more influence in midfield, I’m closer to my teammates and also have more contact with opponents.”“I can influence the game much more from there.”"
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Kimmich started his Bayern career in midfield. He also played in center-back position under Pep Guardiola. After Philipp Lahm’s retirement in 2016, Kimmich was permanently moved to right-back position.
This change hardly affected the German international’s performances. He seamlessly adapted to this new role and became a dynamic right-back that provides width while going ahead. In the next two years, he became one of the most productive full-backs in Europe. Die Roten rewarded his consistent performances with a new contract last year. He briefly replaced Lahm in this position for Germany, but Joachim Low eventually decided to play him in midfield.
Kimmich brings control and calmness in midfield, but Bayern loses major attacking threat when he is not playing as a right-back. Pavard is sound defensively, but his attacking threat is not as good as that of Kimmich. If Die Roten is playing against a team that plays a low block, then it is better to play Kimmich in right-back role as his deliveries can help in breaking down a stubborn defense. The German is likely to return in defense for the next few weeks due to David Alaba’s injury.
Apart from his position, Kimmich also expressed his satisfaction about being inducted in the team’s council. Kovac decided to bring back the principle of team council at Bayern this season. The Croatian has made a council of six players that will help him in maintaining the stability in the dressing room.