Takeaways as Bayern Munich retain DFB Pokal against Bayer Leverkusen

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Joshua Kimmich, Bayern Munich and Lars Bender, Bayer Leverkusen. (Photo by ALEXANDER HASSENSTEIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Joshua Kimmich is so important for Bayern Munich

Back in the fall of 2019, former coach Niko Kovac moved Joshua Kimmich from right back to central midfield for more stability in that area. The move caused some questions as Kimmich was once viewed as one of the best right-backs in the world, but since then, he is now viewed as one of the best midfielders in the world and is much more involved in the field of play.

Throughout the season, Kimmich has grown into an irreplaceable cog in the Bayern machine. Even though scoring goals isn’t his biggest threat, he is still able to have an incredible impact on matches, and this game was no different.

Kimmich covered every blade of the grass. Leverkusen didn’t have an answer for how to stop or get past him. He was constantly making tackles, eight in total, and had a decent pass completion percentage at 84 percent. By his standards, that was a little low, but his energy on the field made up for that. (Stats courtesy: Whoscored)

In the second half, when Bayern backed off a bit, Kimmich kept up his drive and kept pushing the team. When other players, such as Goretzka and Gnabry, became less impactful, Kimmich was always there making challenges, and providing some creativity for the offense.

There will be debate regarding who will partner Kimmich consistently next season. However, there is no doubt that Kimmich will start every week. Kimmich maintains staggering consistency in his performances, making him an important player for Hansi Flick. Bayern is lucky to have him.