Bayern Munich: Josip Stanisic rewarded for rapid development

Bayern Munich has enjoyed great success in terms of having one young breakthrough player in the last couple of seasons. Jamal Musiala and Alphonso Davies have been the young stars in 2019/20 and 2020/21, respectively. Die Roten has been terrific in terms of managing the playing time of both players and improve them as first-team players.

The breakthrough player for the ongoing season could be Josip Stanisic. The young Croatian is part of the first-team squad after impressing Julian Nagelsmann during the pre-season training and friendly games.

Stanisic also got the opportunity to start few games in the first couple of gameweeks as Benjamin Pavard was on the sidelines due to injury. The 20-year-old defender has been getting playing time in almost every second game, which is eventually helping him to become a better player. He has moved ahead of Bouna Sarr in the pecking order for the right-back position.

The growth of Stanisic has been rewarded by Die Roten. The defending German champions announced on Friday that Stanisic had signed a new contract extension until 2025. Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic admitted in the press release for contract renewal that Stanisic has surprised him with his growth.

"“We are very happy that we were once again able to integrate a talent from our FC Bayern Campus with our first team and that Josip has established himself so quickly. He has made his way and is a great addition.”"

Stanisic’s good performances at the club level have also helped him to get the first cap for Croatia. He played for Croatia’s U-21 team in the first international break. However, the senior team called him up during the recently concluded break. Stanisic went straight into the starting lineup and played both games during the break.

With Pavard not at his best for now, Stanisic can surely get a good amount of playing time this season. He should be looking to get somewhere 1200-1500 minutes this season and try to make the most of his opportunities.

Meanwhile, Rekordmeister also manages his playing time carefully. Younger players also tend to get burned out if played a lot on the first team. The club managed Davies and Musiala brilliantly, so a similar process of gradual increase in the playing time should be followed.

In Nagelsmann, Stanisic has a very good coach to improve as a player. The German coach is known for getting the best out of young players. Training with world-class players will also help him to grow as a player. The club hierarchy has shown great faith in him by extending the contract after a good start to the season. It is now about gradual improvement for the Croatian defender. He should be in contention to start against Bayer Leverkusen on Sunday since Pavard has been suspended for the game.