Bayern Munich: Takeaways from narrow win in Moscow
Javi Martinez still has a big role to play in this squad
Lokomotiv Moscow was looking threatening on the break during the first half. Die Roten needed another cooler head in the midfield, so Flick decided to give Goretzka some rest and bring Javi Martinez after the half time break.
The Russian team eventually managed to score the equalizer, but Martinez had a positive impact on the game. The two central defenders had more protection when everyone was committing ahead to score the second goal.
The Spaniard was also very secure on the ball, completing 89% passes during the second half. He also won two aerial duels, most by a player in the second half. The 32-year-old midfielder often dropped in between two central defenders, allowing them to protect the vacant spaces behind the full-backs that were providing overload higher up the pitch. (Stats courtesy: Whoscored)
Martinez also ended up contributing to the winner by finding Kimmich in the space behind Lokomotiv’s midfield line. His pass was slightly overhit, but it was accurate. The Spaniard is unlikely to get many starts this season as there are three midfielders ahead of him in the pecking order.
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However, Martinez is a very good option to have on the bench. He made a positive impact on Tuesday as he did against Sevilla in the Super cup. Marc Roca will also learn a lot from Martinez as he settles in Bavaria and Bundesliga. Despite coming close to leaving in summer, Martinez has a lot to offer this season.