Bayern Munich: Takeaways from thrilling draw against Stuttgart

On the penultimate matchday of the 2021/22 Bundesliga season, Bayern Munich hosted VfB Stuttgart in their final home game of the season. In an exciting matchup, both sides were trading blow after blow. Here are some of the key takeaways from Bayern’s 2-2 draw with Stuttgart.

Lack of defensive depth

Ever since the likes of David Alaba and Jerome Boateng left the club last season, Bayern Munich has constantly faced a lack in squad depth, specifically in the backline. Center-back Dayot Upamecano and full-back Omar Richards were brought in this season to help fill those openings, but haven’t quite done the trick.

In addition to Niklas Sule leaving for Borussia Dortmund in June and Tanguy Nianzou under-performing once again, Nagelsmann and company will have a lot to think about this off-season, looking for the bright, new starlet the Bayern backline need.

Constantly struggle with counterattacks

It seems that since the turn of the calendar year, Bayern Munich is always struggling with counterattacks. Alphonso Davies being ruled out from the effects of COVID may have played into this, but now that he’s back, he has still yet to achieve the full rhythm. In the game against Stuttgart, Upamecano was finally starting to prove his worth, but his defensive counterparts really struggled.

Nianzou was caught out on three separate occasions in the first half alone– the first of which had directly led to Stuttgart’s opening goal. Bayern is known for playing that high line of defense, but until Davies returns to his best, and Nagelsmann sorts out the center-back situation, they will continue to be susceptible to the counterattack.

Muller’s extension is crucial for the team

One man who will always make his presence on the field known is none other than Thomas Muller. Earlier this week, Muller signed a contract extension until 2024, which plays a much larger role than most people think. Not only does that mean Bayern will have a living legend on the field for another year, but it promotes a powerful voice.

Muller’s constant chirping motivates his team and aggravates the opponents. Regardless of the skill he possesses, Muller is a massive force to be reckoned with– and what better way to celebrate an extension than to score a brilliant-headed goal.

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Bayern Munich will face off with Wolfsburg in the final match of the season. After two disappointing results, the Bundesliga champions will be looking to close the season with one final win.