Joshua Kimmich is best utility man for Bayern Munich
Joshua Kimmich is the most valuable and versatile player in Bayern Munich squad.
Bayern Munich is currently playing against Olympique Marseille in a friendly to get back in rhythm ahead of crucial Champions League fixtures. The German champions are set to host Chelsea next week in the round of 16 with a healthy lead of 3-0 from the first leg.
Die Roten will travel to Portugal for rest of the tournament if they see out the English side at Allianz Arena. Hansi Flick had to endure a selection ahead of crucial European games as Benjamin Pavard suffered an ankle injury in training last weekend. The French defender is reportedly going to be out for four to six weeks due to this injury.
Pavard has been the first choice right-back for Rekordmeister this season. Flick had many alternatives to choose for compensating his absence, but he has gone for the most reliable player in the squad as Joshua Kimmich lined up in right-back position against Marseille.
Earlier this week in an interview with Goal, Kimmich insisted that he prefers playing in midfield over any other position. However, the German international is a supremely versatile player and determined to bring back European trophy to Allianz Arena.
"“My favourite position is in the midfield. I think I can play to my strengths there. I can communicate with every player.”“I’m more in the game, because as a right-back you have to stay on one side and you’re not always in the game for 90 minutes. So I prefer the centre midfield position.”"
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Kimmich has excelled in the midfield department for Die Roten this season. The club were looking for a number six last summer but ended up moving the German international in the midfield. His expansive passing was on full display, helping the team to dominate games. He might dominate duels, but his clever positioning and clean tackling technique allowed him to be a step ahead of his opponents.
The German midfielder will be missed in the midfield against top European clubs next month. However, he will still make a big impact from the right-back position. Kimmich will be providing much more impetus in the final third since he recorded double figures for assists during his two campaigns in the same position.
Kimmich can break lines with his passing if Flick decides to use him in a deeper role to form a back three while Alphonso Davies is more attacking full-back. The German international has shown this campaign that he delivers goods in big games.
Most of the plaudits this campaign has gone to Robert Lewandowski and Alphonso Davies for their outstanding performances. They deserve praise, but Kimmich remains the most indispensable member of the squad. Having the quality to fill in numerous positions and deliver world-class performances makes him a dream player for the manager. A utility man that has to play every game for Bayern.