How do new signings fit in?
Getting a glimpse of new players is one of the exciting parts of the pre-season. The Bavarian giants have completed three big deals before the start of July. All three players are expected to be on the plane to the USA for the pre-season tour.
Benjamin Pavard has done well in the right-back position over the last three seasons. However, the French defender doesn’t provide as much attacking impetus as Alphonso Davies did on the other flank. The arrival of Noussair Mazraoui will solve this problem on the right flank. The Moroccan defender excelled in this role at Ajax, so it will be interesting to see how he adds more cutting edge at both ends of the pitch with Die Roten.
In the midfield department, it will be exciting to watch Ryan Gravenberch. The dynamic box-to-box midfielder arrived from Ajax in June. He is set to add more creativity and steel to the midfield. The Dutch midfielder will be looking to hit the ground running after recovering from an injury that had prematurely ended his last season.
Die Roten also managed to pull off the massive signing of Sadio Mane. The former Liverpool forward started training at Sabner Strasse on Friday. It will be exciting to see how Nagelsmann plans to use him at Die Roten due to his versatility. The two pre-season games will give an early hint about Mane’s position on the pitch with Die Roten.