Three Bayern Munich players that delivered improved performances in 2020.
Bayern Munich has enjoyed a lot of success since appointing Hansi Flick in November last year. The club went on to bring the Champions League title to Allianz Arena after seven seasons. Moreover, domestic domination was also maintained throughout the season.
Along with strong collective performances in 2020, there was a significant improvement in the performances of some players in the team. Flick’s coaching and man-management played a big role in improving these players. For some, it even had bigger implications on their future at the club.
Jerome Boateng
At the start of last season, Jerome Boateng was on the fringes of the first team. The arrivals of Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard had reduced his chances, and Niko Kovac was also not giving him game time even in the cup competitions. It looked certain that Boateng will be changing clubs in the winter transfer window.
However, things started changing for Boateng when Flick was appointed as the first-team coach. The German manager showed great faith in the veteran defender and reinstated him in the starting lineup. Run of games in the team helped Boateng to find consistency in his performances. Since the opposition often exploited his lack of pace, Boateng improved his positioning to counter this weakness. The German defender ended up making 39 appearances last season. He remains an important player for Flick with 17 appearances to his name this campaign. (Stats courtesy: Transfermarkt)
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Leon Goretzka
Die Roten’s success in Europe was down to domination in the center of the park. They were playing teams of the park in the midfield and making it easier for attacking players in the final third. Leon Goretzka was one of the chief midfield players for Flick throughout the campaign.
Goretzka was always a tidy midfielder, so one can rely on him to deliver at least 7/10 performance every weekend. The consistency in performances remains one of his strongest attributes, but versatility makes him an even more important player in the current setup. Goretzka is now capable of playing well in number six, eight, and ten. He has worked on his physical frame to impose himself on the players. Moreover, his stamina and endurance make sure that Die Roten are never outrun in the midfield. Goretzka has been good since arriving from Schalke, but this year he has taken his game to the next level.
Kingsley Coman
The Bavarian faithful had a new hero after the win against Paris Saint-Germain in the CL final last season. Kingsley Coman came up with an emphatic back post header to bring the European trophy back to Allianz Arena.
The French winger has been often criticized for poor end product and inconsistent performances. However, the goal against PSG acted as the trigger for Coman to take the next step in his development. Along with Robert Lewandowski, Coman has been the most important attacking player for Flick this season. Coman managed eight goals and seven assists across all competitions last season. In the first half of this season, the French winger five goals and nine assists until now. The improvement in numbers highlights Coman’s steady improvement in 2020. (Stats courtesy: Transfermarkt)