How will Bayern Munich line up in the 2020/21 season?
By Kartik Sahni
Full-backs
Benjamin Pavard
Even with a fully fit squad at his disposal, Hansi Flick is likely to use Benjamin Pavard as Bayern’s right-back. There have been talks about signing another right-back as a cover for Pavard. Dortmund’s Achraf Hakimi is reportedly on Die Roten’s radar. The Moroccon international will most likely move back to Madrid after his loan spell. The same is expected from Bayern’s loan signing, Alvaro Odriozola. Lately, Sergino Dest from Ajax emerged as a possible option.
Nonetheless, Benjamin Pavard has proved his worth and should be a regular starter for the Rekordmeister next season. Bayern has been plagued with injuries this season, especially in the defensive department. Pavard took his responsibilities with aplomb. His vision and ability to cut passing lanes has been a key contributor under Flick’s high-tempo positional play.
As per the stats from Bundesliga.com, Pavard has a success rate of 92% for the passes played from open play. This is the joint fourth-best statistic in the Bundesliga. Not the fastest for a full-back role, but the 2018 World Cup winner has the flair that can be utilized in multiple positions in the defensive zone. Benjamin Pavard is one of the best in the country to control the central space as an inverted full-back.
Alphonso Davies
Desperate times call for desperate measures. This phrase aptly describes Alphonso Davies’s current season at Bayern Munich. The budding injuries and changes in the managerial staff were a blessing in disguise for Davies. The Canadian prodigy is a natural winger, but Hansi Flick has been using him as a left-back. It came as a revelation to see Davies displaying his skills as a full-back. Since moving to this position, there has been no looking back for the young forward.
Davies has established himself as a reliable full-back in very little time. We can expect him to continue in this role for Bayern in 2020/21. His speed and endurance is a special trait. Kingsley Coman is the only player in the current squad that can outpace him in the Bayern squad. Davies patrols the left flank with poise, making him a valuable asset to the team.
The Canadian winger is also a potent threat in attack while overlapping his attacking partner on the left side of the pitch. He has already bagged four assists and one goal in the Bundesliga this season. The fantasy football fanatics can expect a considerable hike in his price next season.