Four takeaways as Bayern Munich hammer Schalke at Allianz Arena

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MUNICH, GERMANY – NOVEMBER 09: Leon Goretzka of FC Bayern Muenchen, Thiago of FC Bayern Muenchen final jubilee during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and Borussia Dortmund at Allianz Arena on November 9, 2019, in Munich, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images) /

Striking a balance in midfield

Bayern Munich is spoiled for options in central midfield. Flick has five brilliant options that can play in three midfield options. Joshua Kimmich and Thiago Alcantara can play as number eight and six, while Leon Goretzka can execute the duties of a number eight and an attacking midfielder. Corentin Tolisso can play the box to box role. Meanwhile, Philippe Coutinho can play as number eight, number ten, and left-winger.

These players are some of the best midfielders in Europe, so Flick will have a good selection dilemma in midfield every game. The German manager has managed to strike the right balance in central midfield, though.

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The midfield three against Schalke was Goretzka, Kimmich, and Thiago. All the players didn’t have a fixed role as they kept on interchanging positions in midfield, which created numerous passing options for their teammates. Thiago’s goals in the last two games completely underline the fluid nature of the midfield. He sprayed the passes from deep to dictate the tempo of the play but occasionally surged into the box to provide support to forwards. In such a scenario, his position was taken up by Goretzka, who is more than good enough to dictate the flow of the game.

These minor changes from Flick have helped Bayern to get the perfect balance in the midfield. Irrespective of the personnel, all three midfield players keep on interchanging their roles throughout the game. This tactic may have to be dropped for big games as more discipline is needed in those games. However, it will a potent weapon against teams that sit deep and maintain a compact shape.