Bayern Munich: Three ways to cope without Benjamin Pavard

Benjamin Pavard, Bayern Munich. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Benjamin Pavard, Bayern Munich. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images) /
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Joshua Kimmich, Bayern Munich. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Joshua Kimmich, Bayern Munich. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images) /

Bayern Munich should move Joshua Kimmich back in the defence

If Flick is hesitant to play Odriozola, then he should once again ask Joshua Kimmich to take the reins of the right-back position. The German midfielder enjoyed two productive seasons in this role before being moved to his favoured central midfield position this campaign.

Kimmich will provide as much attacking impetus on the right flank as Alphonso Davies does on the left. He is also solid defensively, so it is a no brainer to move him in the right-back position. However, his imposing performances in midfield this year has helped Die Roten to dominate against strong oppositions.

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Flick had found the right balance in midfield by pairing Kimmich with Thiago Alcantara in Ruckrunde. After the Spaniard suffered an injury in June, Kimmich formed a strong partnership with Leon Goretzka in the centre of the park. Kimmich was the common denominator in these two partnerships that allowed Die Roten to flourish.

With the return of Thiago and Corentin Tolisso, Flick will have more midfield options. He may have to find a new pairing in midfield to provide more balance in defence. Since the latter stages of the competition are one-legged games, Die Roten must be robust defensively. Moving Kimmich would bring balance in the back four and help Bayern to see out next four games in Europe.