Four Key battles as Bayern Munich host Tottenham Hotspurs
Son Heung-Min vs Benjamin Pavard
Spurs were rampant against Burnley on Saturday. Son Heung-Min stole the show with a wonderful solo goal. The South Korean winger has been in tremendous form this season as he has 10 goals and eight assists to his name across all competitions.
Son can operate on any flank, but he is at his best on the left flank. He is very efficient on the ball in terms of playing defense splitting passes in the final third. Son is not a traditional winger as he keeps cutting inside, but he has the dribbling skills to keep the width for Spurs.
Bayern’s defense has struggled against players of Son’s profile, so it will be interesting to see how they go about winning this duel. Benjamin Pavard sat out of the game against Borussia Monchengladbach. He is likely to return to the line-up on Wednesday. The Frenchman will have to be at his best to neutralize Son’s influence in the final third.
Pavard is improving in the final third as his crosses have been impressive. In the game against Spurs, he will have to inhibit his influence in the final third and remain tight to Son. Pavard cannot afford to leave space behind him as Son can punish him ruthlessly even in the tightest situation. The clash between these two players will be an exciting and good learning curve for Pavard as he continues to polish rough edges of his game.