Takeaways as Bayern Munich dominate Fortuna Dusseldorf

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Robert Lewandowski, Serge Gnabry, and Benjamin Pavard, Bayern Munich. (Photo by Christof Stache/Pool via Getty Images) /

What is in store for Bayern Munich while going forward?

There are several implications from this match for the future. Bayern has now opened up a 10 point lead at the top, but Dortmund has a game in hand. Barring any disastrous run of form, Die Roten will once again win the Bundesliga title. The difference between this season and the previous two seasons is that Bayern looks to be well equipped for the future.

Last season, Bayern were not the juggernaut they normally are and also had to maneuver the departures of Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben, and Rafinha. The team lacked direction, and many senior players were rumored to be on the way out. Then comes Hansi Flick, who stabilized the team and has a clear plan for the future. With a youthful roster and a coach at the beginning of his contract, Bayern looks to be a force for the foreseeable future.

Speaking of that youthful roster, Flick utilized three players that are often on the fringe of the roster. Midfielder Mickael Cuisance came on for Lucas Hernandez at half time and delivered a promising performance. Dusseldorf still couldn’t get through in the second half, and Cuisance played a big part in that. He still has much to learn, but the French midfielder has the potential to succeed at the club.

Alvaro Odriozola came on for Pavard at right-back and looked solid going down the field in attack. Joshua Zirkzee got some minutes in place of Thomas Muller. There was also a first-team debut for Oliver Batista-Meier. The teenager came on for the final ten minutes of the game, making a decent impression. Bayern has a core of youth players on the verge of making the step into the first team. In a season or two, could very well become the next Bavarian stars.

With the league almost wrapped up, Bayern will also have to focus on the DFB Pokal and the Champions League. The issue here is that there will be about three weeks between the end of the Pokal (if Bayern makes it to the final) and the resumption of the Champions League.

That amount of time off will prove tricky when going up against the world’s best. Restarting against a formidable Chelsea side will be much more difficult than it was against Union Berlin. Die Roten has a solid lead over Chelsea but will have to be back at their best quickly if they are to advance any further and have a chance at winning it all.