Four takeaways as Bayern Munich close in on Bundesliga title

Joshua Zirkzee continues to step up for Bayern Munich

Robert Lewandowski missed the game on Saturday due to the accumulation of yellow cards in the Bundesliga. Flick turned to Joshua Zirkzee as he has become the go-to option to replace Lewandowski in the lineup. Filling in for the Polish strikers is a big feat, and Zirkzee never shows signs of bogging down under pressure.

On Saturday, Zirkzee once again showed why he could go on to become an important player for Die Roten. He held the ball up brilliantly and brought other forwards into play. His nimble footwork allowed him to be effective in tight spaces. Chances were very few to come by, but Zirkzee never stopped working hard during his time on the pitch.

When Sommer misplaced the pass and landed it straight at the feet of Zirkzee on the edge of the box, the teenager showed great composure to take the shot instantly. Make no mistake, it was a difficult finish, despite having the empty net in front of you. Zirkzee was not fazed one bit when the ball came towards him, showing the killer instinct to punish Sommer.

The Dutch striker has come up with big moments throughout the campaign. Goals against Wolfsburg and Freiburg in December started a long unbeaten run for Die Roten. Flick is not scared to throw Zirkzee in the deep end due to his immaculate finishing. So much more is to come from the teenage striker as he continues to take rapid strides in the first team.