Bayern Munich: Benjamin Pavard wants more playing time in central defense
In the last few summer transfer windows, Bayern Munich has successfully revamped the central defense and brought down the average age of the defensive unit. The German Champions currently boast very good depth in this position.
Benjamin Pavard was the first big-money acquisition in defense during the 2019 summer transfer window. The French defender arrived from VfB Stuttgart with his reputation enhanced after a string of good performances in the Bundesliga. He attracted significant interest from top clubs after starring for France at the World Cup in 2018.
Die Roten’s eventually won the race for him, and Pavard has repaid the faith by being one of the most consistent players in the first team during the last two seasons. The Frenchman had a challenging second season at the club, but overall, he can be considered as a good signing.
Pavard has largely played as right-back since in Bavaria. Going forward, the French defender is hoping for a change in plans at Die Roten regarding his position. According to TZ’s Philipp Kessler, Pavard wants to play more frequently in the heart of the defense. Even though he has fared well in the right-back position, the Frenchman prefers playing in central defense.
The 25-year-old defender regularly featured in central defense for Stuttgart, but at the same time, he was deployed in the right-back position for the French National team. Pavard may have to wait for a long time to play in central defense at Die Roten since there is quality depth in this position.
Dayot Upamecano, Lucas Hernandez, Niklas Sule, and Nianzou Kouassi are the four options for two center-back positions. Apart from Kouassi, the other three center-backs have played the majority of the top-level football in the heart of the defense. It will take an incredible injury crisis for Pavard to get a place in the central defense.
Apart from quality depth in central defense, Rekordmeister needs Pavard to play in the right-back due to a lack of options. Joshua Kimmich is well settled in the central midfield position, so the German international is unlikely to play again in this role. Meanwhile, Bouna Sarr has not been up to the mark since arriving from Marseille in 2020 to dislodge Pavard from the starting lineup. Josip Stanisic is a good understudy for Pavard, but the Croatian full-back will need more time to develop into a first-choice right-back for Bayern.
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Pavard can eventually move into central defense as he goes deep in his career, or Die Roten decides to bring in a top-quality right-back in the near future. In the current campaign, Pavard will have to fulfill the duties of right-back instead of a center-back.