Five players that played a big role for Bayern Munich during Hinrunde 2020/21.
The last two years have been indifferent for Bayern Munich at the halfway stage of the season as they were trailing the league leaders. Things have changed for the better this season. At the halfway stage of the season, Bayern sits at the top of the table with two points lead over second-placed Bayer Leverkusen.
Since the campaign started late, at halfway stage, all German teams have played only 13 games, four less than normal circumstances. In these 13 games, Die Roten has been consistent in terms of getting victories. They did drop points on five occasions, but that can be down to the accumulation of fatigue due to congestion of fixtures.
The German Champions kicked off the season with an emphatic 8-0 win against Schalke at Allianz Arena. The lowest point for Hansi Flick’s men came away at Hoffenheim, where they suffered a 4-1 defeat in September. It was also Bayern’s first defeat in 2020, highlighting their incredible consistency this year.
After the international break in November, Die Roten suffered a dip in form as they were involved in three draws. However, they were rescued by similar performances by the title contenders. Bayern ended the first half of the season strongly by clinching a late win in Leverkusen. Let us look at five players that played a big role during the first half of the season.
Robert Lewandowski
A team is as good as their best player. Currently, Bayern Munich has the best forward in the world. Robert Lewandowski took his game to the next level last season to help his team to win the treble. His hunger for success has not taken even the smallest hit this season as he continues to churn out quality performances every week.
During the first half of the season, Lewandowski scored 17 goals in the Bundesliga and created four for his teammates. He is leading the race for the German golden boot by a fair margin. Most importantly, he is averaging more than a goal per game this season. At this rate, he could end up scoring 40 goals in the league alone. (Stats courtesy: Whoscored)
Whenever Die Roten is going through a poor run of form, Lewandowski steps up to salvage crucial points for the team. In the last three league games, Bayern was struggling, but the Polish striker managed to come up with five goals in minimal chances to avoid defeats.
The Polish striker also clinched a new record during Hinrunde this season, notching up his 250th Bundesliga goal during the game against Wolfsburg in December. Hansi Flick has been managing him carefully this season. Despite being rested for a few games, Lewandowski continues to post remarkable numbers in the final third, making him the most valuable player in the current squad.
Manuel Neuer
Earlier this month, Manuel Neuer was felicitated at FIFA’s Best awards with the best goalkeeper of the year award. The German international won that award for his consistent performances last season. He came up with top-notch saves to help Die Roten to win the Champions League.
After another treble in the bag, Neuer maintained consistency in his performances during Hinrunde. The Bavarian defense has not been up to the mark in the last couple of months. The high defensive line has been exploited by various teams, but Neuer has single-handedly helped Bayern to be in the game with outstanding saves.
Along with making saves in the box, Neuer continues to excel in the sweeper-keeper role. He is spot on with his decision making when forwards get the better of Bayern’s defense. Neuer quickly comes off the line to help his teammates on numerous occasions. Most recently, he made numerous saves against Wolfsburg to help the team to grind out a win.
After returning from two serious foot injuries, Neuer took a season to get back to his best. In the past 18 months, he has been the best keeper in the world. He acts as an outfield player in the build-up play due to his expansive passing range. The defense has often let down Neuer during Hinrunde, but his astute individual performances have consistently helped the team to win games.
Kingsley Coman
Bayern has been left frustrated with Kingsley Coman’s performances in the last couple of seasons. The French winger is a hugely talented forward, but his poor decision making lets him and the team down on numerous occasions.
Finally, Coman has rectified deficiencies in his performances this season. The goal against Paris Saint-Germain has flipped a switch for the French international. Since that goal in the CL final, Coman has not looked back. He has improved his end product, finding his teammates in the box consistently and not missing chances in the box.
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The former Juventus winger has thrived under competition, becomi
ng the best wide player for Die Roten this season. During Hinrunde, Coman was the most productive attacking player for Bayern after Lewandowski.
In ten Bundesliga appearances, Coman has managed to score two goals and set up seven goals for his teammates. The French international has developed the habit of coming clutch for the team. He has been delivering accurate crosses in the past few weeks when the team has been grinding out results. If Coman manages to keep this consistency in the Ruckrunde, then he will surely end up with the best season of his career. (Stats courtesy: Whoscored)
Lucas Hernandez
Bayern unearthed a superb left-back in Alphonso Davies last season. The Canadian winger seamlessly adapted to this position after an injury crisis in the defensive department. However, it was a slow start to the 2020/21 campaign for Davies. Hansi Flick decided to manage his workload and give Lucas Hernandez a run in the left-back position. The Frenchman didn’t disappoint.
Hernandez is not as adventurous as Davies, but he does provide solid defensively. He is strong aerially, winning 1.6 aerial duels per game. The French international also has enough recovery pace to keep up with rapid wingers. However, there is a lot of scope for improving his passing and crossing in the final third. (Stats courtesy: Whoscored)
After an injury-filled debut campaign, Hernandez came back stronger this season. Throughout Hinrunde, Hernandez has been a reliable defender for Die Roten. In the attacking department, he might lack the cutting edge, but gaining confidence this season is a big boost for the player and club.
Davies might become a first-choice left-back in the second half of the season, but Hernandez deserves plaudits for doing well in the first half of the season. After David Alaba’s departure next summer, Hernandez will be the mainstay in central defense. For now, he has to compete with Davies. He has done enough in Hinrunde to get decent playing time in the left-back position.
Jamal Musiala
Flick has not hesitated with giving opportunities to younger players in the first team. Last season, he used Joshua Zirkzee when the team needed goals. The Dutch forward responded instantly by scoring some important Bundesliga goals. This season Flick has been brave enough to get consistent playing time to Jamal Musiala.
The 17-year-old attacking midfielder can play in multiple positions. He made an instant impact during his first league appearance against Schalke at the start of the season. Musiala scored the final goal of the game at Allianz Arena.
After an impressive cameo against Schalke, Musiala has regularly featured in the Bundesliga games for Die Roten. He has been trusted to come on against RB Leipzig when Javi Martinez was injured in the first half. The teenage sensation scored the equalizer to bring Die Roten back in the game.
Musiala has managed to score three goals in eight appearances for Die Roten in the Bundesliga. He has not played the most minutes for the team, but his maturity at such a young age made him one of Bayern’s good players in the Hinrunde. Moreover, he slotted well in the attacking midfield role when Joshua Kimmich was injured, and Flick decided to go with the 4-1-4-1 system. (Stats courtesy: Whoscored)