Bayern Munich concerned about Benjamin Pavard’s form

Bayern Munich worried about Pavard’s form this season.

Hansi Flick was using a weird setup during December which included Niklas Sule as a right-back. The German defender is not a natural full-back, so he had a conservative role, effectively forming a back three. This system made Bayern Munich’s attack left heavy as Alphonso Davies was bombing down the left flank.

This tweak in formation has been largely due to the form of Benjamin Pavard. According to Bild, Die Roten is shocked and worried about the drop in performances of Pavard this season. The French defender also had a poor start to the new year as he was substituted at half time against Mainz by Hansi Flick for Leon Goretzka.

Joshua Kimmich slotted in the right-back position and delivered a good performance. Meanwhile, Pavard had a poor first half. The Frenchman had more than decent passing accuracy, but his passing was not brave while going ahead. He also lost possession thrice during the first half. (Stats courtesy: Sofascore)

Pavard has been underwhelming during Hinrunde. He is yet to score or assist for Die Roten in the Bundesliga this season. Full-backs are kept at a higher pedestal in the current era, and they are expected to contribute in the final third. Pavard is not exactly an attacking full-back, but he was more than competent in the final third last season, chipping in with four goals and five assists in the Bundesliga. (Stats courtesy: Transfermarkt)

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The French international was one of the most reliable performers for Rekordmeister last season. Even on his off days, Pavard used to end up delivering a 7/10 performance. Moreover, his availability throughout the campaign until July was remarkable.

Pavard was not involved in the knockout rounds of the Champions League in Lisbon due to an injury. Kimmich slotted in this position and delivered memorable performances in the latter stages of the competition. The German midfielder also ended up assisting the goal in the final that was enough for Die Roten to lift the CL title.

The Frenchman has not looked the same since that injury. He is going through a poor run of form, which is understandable, happens with every player. The problem for Flick is that Pavard’s deputy, Bouna Sarr, is not in the best form. Sarr arrived at the club in the final week of the transfer window, but he is yet to make a mark in the Bavarian shirt.

Pavard has previously insisted that he prefers playing in central defense. However, Flick has in form and stable players in that position, so he might have to allow Pavard to play himself in good form by giving him consistent minutes. The German manager will also hope that Sarr does well in Ruckrunde, so that competition for a place in the team will extract the best out of both French full-backs.