Bayern Munich: Torben Rhein ready to fight for place in first team
The pre-season has been far from ideal for Bayern Munich until now due to various reasons. Several senior players have missed three friendly games since they were given an extended break due to their participation in Euro 2020. In such a scenario, young players have been handed opportunities to get game time.
Torben Rhein is one of the young players that have made the most out of these opportunities. The teenage midfield sensation has been impressive on and off the ball during the last three games. Moreover, he also ended up grabbing an assist against Ajax.
After enjoying a good runout, Rhein is eyeing competitive opportunities in the first team. According to Sport1, the 18-year-old midfielder is set to stay at the club for next season as he wants to impress Julian Nagelsmann and make a case for minutes in the first team.
Nagelsmann is reportedly impressed with four young players, including Rhein, during the three weeks of training. The German manager is ready to integrate them in the first team provided there are no further incomings during the transfer window, which is looking more than likely right now.
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Rhein may get opportunities in domestic cup competitions next season since Die Roten needs more players in the midfield. Earlier this week, German media hinted that central midfielder is on the agenda for Bayern in the transfer window. However, the club doesn’t have a big transfer budget to sign a quality midfielder.
The 18-year-old midfielder will be looking to capitalize on this transfer situation and force his way into first-team plans. He has been rated highly at the club, so his bright performances in the pre-season don’t come as a surprise. Rhein will play more regularly with reserves next season, but more training with the first team and few appearances will help in his development.
The emergence of Jamal Musiala at Die Roten last season does show that young players with extraordinary talent can break into the first team. Musiala has now firmly established himself as a key first-team player. Musiala’s impressive performances led to a tug of war between England and Germany for his services. He was also part of Germany’s squad that featured in Euro 2020.
Apart from Musiala’s progress in the first team, Rhein will be also encouraged by Nagelsmann’s record of improving young players. Die Roten needs to manage the teenager properly in the long run as he certainly has the talent to be a big player for the club.