Four takeaways as Bayern Munich demolish Hoffenheim

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SINSHEIM, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 29: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Philippe Coutinho of FC Bayern Muenchen and Florian Grillitsch of TSG Hoffenheim battle for the ball during the Bundesliga match between TSG 1899 Hoffenheim and FC Bayern Muenchen at PreZero-Arena on February 29, 2020, in Sinsheim, Germany. (Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images) /

Men of the Match

Once again, several players stood out in this match and have earned recognition. First, it comes with great pleasure to talk positively about Philippe Coutinho. The magician was all over the pitch, creating chances for other players, and even adding two goals for himself.

The first goal was from a ball that bounced around in the box and landed at the feet of Coutinho. The Brazilian showed finesse in his shot by curling it past the keeper. His shot was lucky as the ball took a deflection from a defender and went over the goalie. His second goal came from a cross by Thomas Muller. Coutinho met the cross and volleyed the ball past the goalkeeper. For both goals, the team went to celebrate with the Brazilian, and fans could tell how much his teammates wanted this for him.

The second player who played great was once again Thomas Muller. The assist king contributed two more to his tally taking his Bundesliga season total to 16. His ability to unlock defenses is at an elite level, and he is right now one of the most in-form players in Europe. Many people wondered if he would struggle to produce with Lewandowski out, but that wasn’t the case.

The current system allows Muller to create at will. Hansi Flick pulling Muller off the field at the hour mark will give the ‘raumdeuter’ some rest. If he can maintain the level of his recent performances, then Bayern will be serious contenders in Europe later on in the season.

Lastly, it should not go without mentioning Joshua Zirkzee’s performance. The teenager got his first start of the season. His performance today made sure that he will get more chances in the absence of Lewandowski. He is not on par with Lewandowski, but it is easy to tell based on his performance against Hoffenheim that he is learning things from Polish striker.

Zirkzee often came back into midfield to receive the ball and link up with the wingers. His movements and passes seemed reminiscent of Lewandowski’s, and even his goal was a poacher’s goal. While he is young, he showed enough to continue getting minutes. Zirkzee will be a key player for Bayern in the coming month before the main guy returns.