Bayern Strikes
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Three key battles as Bayern Munich face Bayer Leverkusen

By Kiran Thakare

Ivan Perisic, Bayern Munich and  Julian Baumgartlinger and Lars Bender, Bayer Leverkusen. (Photo by Jörg Schüler/Getty Images)
Ivan Perisic, Bayern Munich and  Julian Baumgartlinger and Lars Bender, Bayer Leverkusen. (Photo by Jörg Schüler/Getty Images) /
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Thomas Muller, Bayern Munich and Charles Aranguiz, Bayer Leverkusen (Photo by TF-Images/TF-Images via Getty Images)
Thomas Muller, Bayern Munich and Charles Aranguiz, Bayer Leverkusen (Photo by TF-Images/TF-Images via Getty Images) /

Thomas Muller vs Charles Aranguiz

Thomas Muller has been the creative force for Die Roten this season. The German forward has contributed to 18 assists in the Bundesliga. He has also managed to score seven goals in the league, managing to rediscover his best form under Flick.

Muller has been at his best in the number ten position. His clever runs and crisp passing, allowing other forwards to thrive in the final third. The German forward also leads the pressing from the front, working hard for the team on and off the ball.

The 30-year-old forward will come up against a formidable opponent in Charles Aranguiz on Saturday. The Chilean midfielder has been operating in a destroyer role for Leverkusen, breaking up play by winning the ball in the first phase. Aranguiz’s presence in a deeper role allows Leverkusen forwards to get more freedom in the final third.

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Aranguiz will be looking to mark Muller tightly, allowing him no space to thrive. It will depend on Muller how he finds a solution against the Chilean midfielder. Dragging the defensive midfielder out of position will help other Bayern forwards to create havoc in the final third. The two veterans play different roles in midfield, but they will be looking to cancel out each other on Saturday.