Davies shining in an unusual position
Every campaign in the last five years has been incomplete for Bayern without a major injury crisis. The injury problems have usually crept in during the business end of the campaign, but this year it arrived early as Die Roten found themselves in a defensive crisis due to injuries to Lucas Hernandez and Niklas Sule.
This injury crisis turned out to be a blessing for Alphonso Davies. The Canadian winger was getting few chances at the start of the campaign, but defensive injuries meant that there was an opening in the left-back position. Kovac decided to experiment with Davies in that position, and since then, there was no looking back for the teenager.
In the space of four months, Davies has established himself one of the most potent full-backs in Europe. He is a very difficult defender to get past. Even if a winger manages to beat him, Davies manages to successfully make a recovery tackle due to his immense pace.
Davies was erratic while going forward, which is understandable as young players are bound to be inconsistent. The Canadian winger has gradually improved that aspect of his game with regular playing time. Now, he is creating havoc on the left-flank by getting past players with ease and delivering dangerous balls in the box.
The assist for Lewandowski’s goal against Chelsea epitomized Davies’ development over the last few months. Davies is bound to go through a rough patch, but he has been the biggest success story for Bayern. With David Alaba’s future uncertain, Die Roten have unearthed another gem in the left-back position.