Bayern Munich: Should Nagelsmann play with two strikers in Ruckrunde?
It has been a topsy-turvy season for Bayern Munich until now. They started the campaign on fire with some big wins before going through a poor run of form in the Bundesliga. Eventually, they got their act together in the league and went four points clear at the top of the points table before the World Cup 2022.
The ups and downs in the form of the team have been accompanied by changes in the system made by Julian Nagelsmann. The record Champions started the campaign without a traditional number nine. Die Roten fielded a fluid front three that kept on interchanging positions in the final third.
After a winless run of four games, Nagelsmann decided to tweak the system by using Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting as the number nine. The change paid dividends as Bayern collected 22 points from eight league games since the first international break in September.
Earlier this month, TZ in Germany (via iMiaSanMia) reported that Nagelsmann is contemplating playing with two strikers during the second half of the season. The report insisted that the front two will be Choupo-Moting and Mathys Tel. The Cameroon international will be the primary striker, while Tel will operate as the second striker.
Is this tactical switch needed for Die Roten?
As things stand, No. Bayern has not been short of goals this season despite the departure of Robert Lewandowski. They are averaging more than three goals in the Bundesliga. There is no need to use two strikers if it is done to increase the output in the final third.
Moreover, using this system consistently will not allow Jamal Musiala in his best position. The youngster has been devastating for Rekordmeister in central areas. Musiala can do an adequate job as a wide player, but he is more dangerous when used as a number ten. He is currently leading the list for goals and assists for Die Roten in the Bundesliga. It makes no sense to shunt your best player of the season to a position where he is less effective.
Along with the above two reasons, Bayern also has more depth in wide areas than the number nine position. It will be a misuse of resources in this system unless they plan to sign one more striker in the winter transfer window.
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There are significant disadvantages of this formation for Bayern on a regular basis. It can definitely be an alternative system when the team is chasing a game. The friendly game against Red Bull Salzburg on January 13 will give more clarity on Nagelsmann’s system for the second half of the season.