FC Bayern Munich: Assessing options in midfield department
Creativity in abundance in attacking and box to box midfield positions
Similar to holding midfield position, Die Roten has enough depth and quality for number eight and number ten position. Goretzka is the prime candidate to play the role of the box to box midfielder. He has been paired up with Kimmich in midfield consistently under Flick. Goretzka brings physical presence and goals from midfield. His darting runs in the box can cause problems for any team in the world.
Corentin Tolisso also stayed at the club since Die Roten were in no mood to lose him and Thiago in one summer. The Frenchman has endured a decent start to the season in the box to box midfield role. Tolisso also provides goals from midfield if he is given consistent playing time in this position.
Lastly, Kimmich can also play in this position. Flick often deployed him in this position during CL games last season. He provides more aggressive pressing in this role, and he offers creativity with his efficient passing.
In the attacking midfield role, Thomas Muller remains the first choice option under Flick. The former German international racked up 21 assists in the Bundesliga last season. He has started the new campaign on a good note as his latest goals and assists came against Bielefeld last weekend. Provided he remains fit for the whole season, Muller is likely to the lineup in this position for most games.
Along with Muller, Tolisso and Goretzka can also play in the number ten role. They are not as creative as Muller, but they do provide goals. Goretzka consistently played in this position for Schalke while Tolisso had a productive first season in a similar role at Bayern. Mickael Cuisance could have got more playing time this season, but he was determined to leave the club to get consistent minutes on the pitch. The Frenchman joined Marseille on a season-long loan at the end of the transfer window.
Since Flick is blessed with so many versatile midfielders in all three midfield positions, he can try different combinations based on the opponents. Moreover, rotation will not be an issue since there is not a huge drop in quality between first and second choice midfielders.
What do you think about the midfield department at Bayern? Do they have enough to win all trophies this season?