Bayern Munich should have more players in Ballon d’Or nominations
Bayern Munich should be having more players nominated in Ballon d’ Or after Robert Lewandowski becomes the sole player to make the final 30.
France Football announced the final 30 candidates for 2019 Ballon’Dor. Bayern Munich had only one representative on this list. Robert Lewandowski was nominated for his impressive goal tally last season. The Polish striker managed to score 40 goals across all competitions.
Apart from Lewandowski, Manuel Neuer was also nominated for the Yachine Trophy. This trophy honors the best goalkeepers in Europe over last year. However, Neuer failed to make it in the Ballon’Dor list, despite being nominated for the best goalkeeper award.
Lewandowski has been a consistent performer for Bayern for the past five seasons. The Polish striker has been on fire this season, scoring 16 goals in 12 games across all competitions. After clearing the uncertainty over his future by signing a new deal, Lewandowski may go on to score more goals than last season.
Die Roten’s consistent failure to reach finals of the Champions League in the last few seasons has also contributed to fewer players being nominated for this award. They managed to clinch the domestic double but got knocked out of CL in the first knockout round against Liverpool.
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The team honors and individual awards go hand to hand. Bayern have taken long to become a force in Europe since their emphatic treble win in 2013. It is pivotal that they do not languish behind the Spanish clubs, and top Premier League clubs in this competition for long. Die Roten decided to compete with these clubs by spending big in summer, now it is time for them to achieve results in European competition.
Bayern, as a top European club, should have more players on this list. The German club has quality players in their squad with world-class potential, but they need to go a level up to compete with top players in Europe.
The likes of Serge Gnabry, Joshua Kimmich, and Thiago Alcantara were important players for Die Roten last season but struggled to deliver in Europe. Apart from this trio, the new arrivals in summer, Corentin Tolisso, and Kingsley Coman should be in the running for the final 30 shortlist next season.
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Niko Kovac had a tough start to his managerial career in Champions League last season. The Croat will have to come up with new ideas to challenge top clubs in Europe. Apart from his tactical evolution, the above-mentioned players also need to step up this year to advance in the latter stages of the Champions League. The collective achievement will eventually pave the way for more Bayern players on the Ballon d’Or shortlist.