Man of the match
While Robert Lewandowski used his trademark move to score from the penalty spot, it is Benjamin Pavard that should get the nod for this award. Scoring a goal in the latter stages of the match was a fitting reward for his performance throughout the match.
From a corner, Pavard rose above the Union Berlin defender and then nodded the ball into the bottom right corner. It is a big plus for Die Roten to have him playing at right-back and be able to make this sort of impact on set pieces, with his height and aerial timing making the difference.
The Frenchman almost scored a beautiful goal late at the end of the first half when Thomas Muller passed the ball to him out wide from the edge of the box. Pavard shot on the first touch with the ball hitting the outside of the net. From the TV angle, it looked like the ball had gone in.
Defensively, he was a real bright light, calm and composed. The left side of the Union’s attack never posed a real threat, which is down to Pavard’s energy and effort to get back into a defensive shape. Part of Hansi Flick’s game plan is to have his fullbacks get up the field into an attacking position.
On the flip side, Flick’s strategy also means full-backs have to work hard to track back. Pavard has repeatedly shown that he can fit into Flick’s idea of full-backs. He will continue to be challenged in the coming weeks against Frankfurt and Dortmund, but considering his reliable performances this season, Die Roten should not be worried.
Pavard has made the right-back spot his own, and as long as he is there and willing to work hard, Bayern doesn’t need to worry about that position for the next decade. His performances are incredibly consistent, offering quality in both attack and defense. Bayer reportedly wants Ajax’s Sergino Dest, but with Pavard’s performances, it will be hard for him to see the field. Pavard has been that good.