Bayern Strikes
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How will Bayern Munich line up in the 2020/21 season?

By Kartik Sahni

SINSHEIM, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 29: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Philippe Coutinho of FC Bayern Muenchen celebrates after scoring his team's third goal with teammates 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)
SINSHEIM, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 29: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Philippe Coutinho of FC Bayern Muenchen celebrates after scoring his team's third goal with teammates 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) /
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Center-backs

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 01: Niklas Sule of Bayern Munich during the UEFA Champions League group B match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Muenchen at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 01, 2019, in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 01: Niklas Sule of Bayern Munich during the UEFA Champions League group B match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Muenchen at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 01, 2019, in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

Niklas Sule

Niklas Sule, a colossal figure in Bayern’s back-line, is a guaranteed starter in the center-back role once he returns from injury. A key player whose absence marred Bayern’s defensive solidity earlier this season.

Hansi Flick has instilled a robust defensive mechanism with Jerome Boateng being used as a backup for Niklas Sule. However, the German veteran’s time is coming to an end in Bavaria, with his contract expiring in June 2021. Hasan Salihamidzic will look to cash-in on Boateng this summer. Boateng’s departure will make sure that Sule can elevate Bayern’s defensive system should he get a chance to work under Hansi Flick.

The six feet-five tall German center-back has made it big, starting from the early ranks at Hoffenheim. Julian Nagelsmann, Sule’s former coach, considers him to be a top-class talent with the potential to be the best in Europe. These claims are not mere praise as Sule has already proved his worth.

Along with being an aerial threat, Sule possesses the speed to outrun opponents during a counter-attack. Also, he has a knack for finding his teammates from the back. He can surpass an opposition’s compact pressing structure by spraying accurate long-ball in the final third. Sule has made eight league appearances this season so far with a pass completion rate of 92% and two assists to his name. (Stats courtesy: Infogol.net)

MUNICH, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 21: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Lucas Hernandez of FC Bayern Muenchen controls the Ball during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and SC Paderborn 07 at Allianz Arena on February 22, 2020, in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Harry Langer/ DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
MUNICH, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 21: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Lucas Hernandez of FC Bayern Muenchen controls the Ball during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and SC Paderborn 07 at Allianz Arena on February 22, 2020, in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Harry Langer/ DeFodi Images via Getty Images) /

Lucas Hernandez

The Bayern faithful desperately wants David Alaba to put pen to another contract. The chances of the Austrian staying put looks dim. The rumours suggest a new agent is appointed by Alaba. and he might be on his way to another league in summer

Although a regular left-back in Bayern’s shirt, Alaba gained newfound respect in a center-back role. A player with similar versatility in Bayern’s squad is Lucas Hernandez. Another World Cup winner recruited in the summer of 2019, Hernandez can be a frequent starter alongside Sule.

The Frenchman shared the same fate as Sule early this season. Hernandez was sidelined with a long-term injury. Nonetheless, the 24-year old French defender is a menace for attackers. A strong tackler, Hernandez’s defensive abilities have improved over the years after playing under the tutelage of Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid.

Hernadez could be a key player in Hansi Flick’s system at Bayern. His ability to sweep forward during possession will be a perfect fit to disrupt the opposition’s structure. An injury-free campaign next season will be crucial for Hernandez’s development and adaptation to Flick’s Bayern.