Bayern Munich: Three key battles against Sevilla in Super Cup
Benjamin Pavard vs Lucas Ocampos
Bayern is looking to sign a right-back as they have stepped up negotiations to sign Sergino Dest from Ajax. Till that deal gets over the line, Benjamin Pavard continues to be the right-back option for the German Champions. The Frenchman prefers playing in central defense, but he has done well in the right-back position throughout the last campaign.
Pavard’s biggest strength has been the defensive stability he provides on the right flank. He is not adventurous in the final third, but he does provide overlapping and underlapping runs to link up with the wide player. He is a threat on setpieces since he has a very good technique to score volleys.
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On Thursday, Pavard will face an intriguing test against Lucas Ocampos. The Argentine wide forward played a pivotal role during the knockout stages of the Europa League. Ocampos is a tenacious winger that holds the width and also cuts inside whenever needed. He can play on both flanks, but he has featured on the left for Sevilla while Suso took up positions on the right side.
Pavard will have to be conservative with his runs in the final third to reduce the space behind him that can be exploited by Ocampos. Both players are good at winning duels on the ground and aerially, so the outcome of this tussle will have a considerable impact on the outcome of the game.