Bayern Munich: Takeaways from convincing victory against Schalke
Joshua Kimmich is not Thiago, but he doesn’t need to be
There was a new number six on the pitch against Schalke. Thiago Alcantara completed the move to Liverpool on Friday, so Kimmich will be donning the number six kit for Die Roten. The German midfielder will have the role of filling the void left by Thiago.
Kimmich is not similar to Thiago. The former is not as prolific in manipulating the ball through dribbling compared to the latter. Moreover, Thiago unlocks defenses with some of the most ridiculous passes. That doesn’t mean Kimmich is not a good number holding midfielder. He has more than enough good qualities to succeed in a deeper role. The 25-year-old midfielder was at his best against Schalke.
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The German midfielder has a magnificent passing range, and he can play pinpoint vertical passes to open up a defense (like the one he did for Sane’s goal). Kimmich is also very good positionally. He might not be the type of holding midfielder that will engage in duels to stop teams on the break every occasion. His good positioning allows him to be ahead of the game and sniff the danger quickly.
Thiago will be a big miss for Die Roten. Kimmich is not like for like replacement, but he doesn’t have to be one. His qualities also suit Flick’s intense pressing game. Moreover, there is enough evidence from the last campaign regarding Kimmich’s ability to dictate play against the best teams in Europe.