Former Bayern Munich left-back Juan Bernat speaks glowingly about David Alaba and Joshua Kimmich.
The full-back area at Bayern Munich is sorted as there is a right mix of experience and youthfulness. Die Roten released Rafinha in summer but clinched big-money deals for Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard. The French duo can play in central defense and full-back positions.
Apart from these two French internationals, Bayern have a seasoned campaigner in the form of David Alaba. Joshua Kimmich has moved back into midfield this season but remains a lethal right-back that delivered incredible attacking numbers in the last two years.
Juan Bernat was also part of the full-back department at Bayern two years ago. The Spaniard impressed in his first campaign under Pep Guardiola but struggled to nail down a place in the lineup under Carlo Ancelotti and Jupp Heynckes.
Bernat decided to leave Bavaria in 2018 and join Paris Saint-Germain. Since arriving in French capital, Bernat has got back to his best form under the coaching of Thomas Tuchel. In a recent interview with Marca (via SportBild), the Spanish full-back had positive words for Alaba and Kimmich. He considers the duo as finest full-backs in the world.
"“Jordi Alba, who is also my friend. Another is Marcelo, a great left-back. And another one I learned a lot from is David Alaba.”“Kimmich played in the middle and then switched to the side, his performances every season speaks for itself.”"
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Alaba has been one of the best left-backs in Europe for a long time. The Austrian came through Die Roten’s academy and firmly established himself in the starting lineup. He still has many years of his prime left as he turned 27 in June.
On the other hand, Kimmich made a smooth transition from midfield to right-back position, after Philipp Lahm hanged his boots. He still prefers playing in midfield, but his contribution in the final third as a right-back has been exemplary. Kimmich became one of the best right-backs in Europe, after just playing in that role for two seasons.
Bayern currently have the best set of full-backs in Europe. Hernandez and Pavard can provide more defensive stability when deployed in left-back and right-back positions respectively. In away games against top European clubs, Kovac can stick with them in the lineup. If the approach is going all-out attack, then he can use Kimmich in the right-back position. Alaba meanwhile remains comfortable in both attacking and defensive approach.
In the last one month, Die Roten have struggled with injuries in the defensive department. Alaba and Hernandez are nursing rib and knee injuries respectively. Despite these injuries, these two defenders received call ups from their respective national teams. Bayern will be hoping that they return to Bavaria next week without further damage.