Bayern Strikes
Fansided

Four Takeaways as Bayern Munich smash Hertha Berlin

By Joshua Bishop

Bayern Munich's players, including Polish forward Robert Lewandowski (2ndR) and Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho (R) celebrate their opening goal during the German first division Bundesliga football match Hertha Berlin v Bayern Munich in Berlin, on January 19, 2020. (Photo by RONNY HARTMANN / AFP) / DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO (Photo by RONNY HARTMANN/AFP via Getty Images)
Bayern Munich's players, including Polish forward Robert Lewandowski (2ndR) and Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho (R) celebrate their opening goal during the German first division Bundesliga football match Hertha Berlin v Bayern Munich in Berlin, on January 19, 2020. (Photo by RONNY HARTMANN / AFP) / DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO (Photo by RONNY HARTMANN/AFP via Getty Images) /
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BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 19: David Alaba of Muenchen in action during the Bundesliga match between Hertha BSC and FC Bayern Muenchen at Olympiastadion on January 19, 2020, in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Bongarts/Getty Images)
BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 19: David Alaba of Muenchen in action during the Bundesliga match between Hertha BSC and FC Bayern Muenchen at Olympiastadion on January 19, 2020, in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Bongarts/Getty Images) /

The defense stepped up

In recent memory, when Bayern have come up against quick and pacy attackers, there is usually one or two goals scored on the counter-attack, especially with someone like Lukebakio in the opposition. However, the defense stepped up against Hertha Berlin, and except for two chances, performed admirably. The two chances were when Davie Selke got in between the two center backs and had a free header that went over the bar, and a point-blank shot that was saved miraculously by Neuer.

Other than that, Pavard and Alphonso Davies provided width on the wings while also doing well tracking back. David Alaba did a wonderful job organizing the backline and oftentimes got forward on the left or even down the center with Thiago dropping back to cover for him. Even Jerome Boateng performed decently, using his passing ability to open up the defense. His pace is still worrisome, and until Bayern sign a right back to move Pavard to the center, there will still be a liability in the back.

Speaking of a right-back, Bayern needs to buy one this winter. As I said, this would allow Pavard to move to the center to team with David Alaba. Both have enough pace to keep up with fast attackers, and Joshua Kimmich would permanently move into the defensive midfield role. This would be a great investment for Bayern if they are to make a serious run in the Champions League.