Despite the disappointing 1-1 draw against Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday, Bayern Munich has enjoyed a very good start to the new season. Julian Nagelsmann’s team remains unbeaten in the Bundesliga, and there has been considerable improvement in performances from the end of last season.
Nagelsmann has managed to find a good balance in the attack by fielding a fluid attack after the departure of Robert Lewandowski. Sadio Mane has hit the ground running by scoring three goals in four league appearances. The Senegalese forward needed very little time to adapt after completing a move from Liverpool in June.
The attacking quartet has shone for Die Roten in almost every game, working hard in terms of pressing and showing incredible hunger for goals. The response from the team after going behind against Gladbach was also commendable. Yann Sommer’s heroic performance in the goal made sure that Bayern had to settle for a point.
The attacking players have taken the plaudits for Die Roten’s electric start to the season. However, the midfield setup behind them has equally played a big role in the team’s solid performances. Marcel Sabitzer and Joshua Kimmich have clicked together and complemented each other brilliantly. While talking to Kicker over the weekend, Sabitzer labeled Kimmich as the perfect midfield partner to play with.
"“Jo is a top player in the position. We complement each other well. He can go forward a lot. I like to have his back. We didn’t concede many goals. I enjoy being on the pitch.”"
Kimmich has been the more expansive passer for Bayern in the midfield, while Sabitzer has kept things ticking in the middle of the park by playing simple passes. Both players are tenacious and work hard to win the ball quickly, which allows Die Roten to maintain pressure on the opposition.
After an underwhelming debut season, Sabitzer was determined to get things right this season. The Austrian midfielder decided to reject a move away from the club and fight for a place in the team. Nagelsmann was impressed by his performances during pre-season training and friendly games.
Sabitzer got the opportunity to silence his critics early this season after Leon Goretzka was ruled out for the start of the season due to a knee injury. The Austrian international grabbed this chance with both hands and delivered solid performances in all five competitive games this season. Kimmich has also enjoyed playing with Sabitzer as both players complement each other perfectly in the center of the park.
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Goretzka is set to return to action in September, which will give Nagelsmann a welcome selection headache in the midfield department. Considering the gruesome scheduling for this season, all midfielders will have a big role to play.