Bayern Strikes
Fansided

Five reasons why Bayern Munich can do well in CL this year

By Kiran Thakare

MUNICH, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 05: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Robert Lewandowski of FC Bayern Muenchen celebrates after scoring his team's third goal with team mates during the DFB Cup round of sixteen match between FC Bayern Muenchen and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim at Allianz Arena on February 5, 2020 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Roland Krivec/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
MUNICH, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 05: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Robert Lewandowski of FC Bayern Muenchen celebrates after scoring his team's third goal with team mates during the DFB Cup round of sixteen match between FC Bayern Muenchen and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim at Allianz Arena on February 5, 2020 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Roland Krivec/DeFodi Images via Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 01: Joshua Kimmich of Bayern Muenchen and Thiago of Bayern Muenchen celebrates after winning the UEFA Champions League group B match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Muenchen at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 1, 2019, in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 01: Joshua Kimmich of Bayern Muenchen and Thiago of Bayern Muenchen celebrates after winning the UEFA Champions League group B match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Muenchen at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 1, 2019, in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images) /

Better midfield balance

After Niko Kovac‘s departure in November, Hansi Flick took time to find his best starting XI. There used to be changes in the team almost every game. Since the winter break, the German manager has found the right balance in the team, and that is largely down to the composition of midfield.

Big European clashes are generally decided on the outcome of midfield battles. Die Roten currently has the right balance in the midfield. Joshua Kimmich provides the perfect shielding to defense in number six position. The German defender is also able to dictate the tempo of the game with his precise short and long passing.

Thiago Alcantara‘s poor form in the first half of the season was a concern for Rekordmeister. The winter break did him a world of good as he has been superb in Ruckrunde. Thiago is playing in his preferred number eight position, which allows him to link the attack and midfield. He is making late runs in the box and contributing to the goal.

The final cog of this midfield is a number ten. Flick has the luxury to choose one player from Leon Goretzka, Thomas Muller, and Philippe Coutinho for this position. Coutinho is struggling for form, but Goretzka and Muller have been playing good football. Muller is an automatic choice at the moment, but Goretzka is a handy option if Flick decides to pack the midfield.