Bayern Strikes
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Key battles as Bayern Munich host RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga

By Kiran Thakare

LEIPZIG, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 14: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been digitally enhanced.) Christopher Nkunku of Leipzig and Thiago Alcantara of Bayern Munich jump for a header during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and FC Bayern München at Red Bull Arena on September 14, 2019 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Bundesliga/Bundesliga Collection via Getty Images)
LEIPZIG, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 14: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been digitally enhanced.) Christopher Nkunku of Leipzig and Thiago Alcantara of Bayern Munich jump for a header during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and FC Bayern München at Red Bull Arena on September 14, 2019 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Bundesliga/Bundesliga Collection via Getty Images) /
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MUNICH, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 05: Thomas Mueller of FC Bayern Muenchen runs with the ball during the DFB Cup round of sixteen match between FC Bayern Muenchen and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim at Allianz Arena on February 05, 2020, in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images)
MUNICH, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 05: Thomas Mueller of FC Bayern Muenchen runs with the ball during the DFB Cup round of sixteen match between FC Bayern Muenchen and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim at Allianz Arena on February 05, 2020, in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images) /

Thomas Muller vs Tyler Adams

Thomas Muller has been the most improved player under Hansi Flick. The German forward has been a creative force in the final third, and lately, he is also becoming prolific in front of the goal. He has scored three goals in the last three games.

Muller is creating havoc in the final third due to his movement. He is likely to play in the number ten role against Leipzig, having more freedom in the final third. His runs will help in stretching Leipzig’s defense and create space for other forwards.

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It will be the role of Leipzig’s defensive midfielder to reduce Muller’s freedom in the final third. Tyler Adams has been doing well for Leipzig in this role. The 20-year-old midfielder will have to be tight with Muller, restricting him from getting time and space to pick up players in the final third.

Since Bayern’s current attacking patterns are going through Muller, Adams will have to frustrate Muller to disrupt Bayern’s attacking patterns. After nicking the ball away from Muller, Adams should try to initiate counter-attacks. Muller will be favourite to win this battle due to Adams’ inexperience, but the teenager has the qualities to at least reduce Muller’s influence on the pitch.