Bayern Munich defenders endure mixed season- Player Grades

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Benjamin Pavard and Alphonso Davies with Hansi Flick in training at Bayern Munich. (Photo by Christof STACHE / AFP) (Photo by CHRISTOF STACHE/AFP via Getty Images) /

Exciting new full-back pairing

Benjamin Pavard – 8/10

When Bayern decided to sign Benjamin Pavard from VfB Stuttgart last January, he was expected to play in the heart of the defense. However, Joshua Kimmich’s permanent move to midfield led to Pavard being deployed in the right-back position.

Nevertheless, it was a memorable debut campaign for the French World Cup winner. Pavard was consistent with his performances throughout the season. He was not the flashy full-back, who will contribute in the final third, but he could be relied upon to provide rigidity at the back. Pavard guaranteed at least a 7/10 performance every weekend. He has to improve his productivity in the final third, but four goals and six assists across all competitions is a decent contribution. The Frenchman is likely to get better next season. (Stats courtesy: Whoscored)

Alphonso Davies– 9/10

No one saw this coming. At the start of the campaign, Alphonso Davies was playing with reserves to get minutes under his belt. However, an injury crisis in October forced Kovac to deploy Davies in the left-back position. Since then, the teenage sensation has not looked back.

Davies has made the left-back position his own by getting better with every passing game. The Canadian winger used his incredible pace to stop the best wide players. His defensive game improved under Flick as the season progressed.

In the final third, Davies provided a new dimension to the team. His assist for Kimmich’s goal against Barcelona summed up his potential in the final third. He looked erratic with his decision making at the start of the season. In very less time, he has polished the rough edges of his game, becoming one of the best full-backs in the world.