Bayern Munich: Three most improved players in 2022
Bayern Munich had an eventful 2022- full of ups and downs. They managed to retain the Bundesliga title in May but couldn’t go deep in the Champions League and DFB Pokal. The Bavarian club was particularly underwhelming in Europe as they were knocked out by a resilient Villarreal side in the quarter-final of the Champions League.
The summer window was eventful for Bayern since several big changes took place in the squad. It was a record summer for Bayern when it comes to spending, as they brought in five new faces. Meanwhile, Robert Lewandowski brought down the curtains on his glittering career in the Bundesliga. The Polish striker completed a move to FC Barcelona.
The season started with a bang for Julian Nagelsmann, but things got shaky in September as they went on a winless run of four games in the Bundesliga. The German coach managed to turn around the mini-crisis as Die Roten ends the year at the top of the points table. They have also booked a place in the next rounds of the Champions League and DFB Pokal. Amidst this topsy-turvy year, few players showed a great deal of improvement.
Jamal Musiala
The first name on this list has to be Jamal Musiala. The youngster has been a revelation for Bayern. He showed glimpses of his talent in the previous two seasons with the senior team, but 2022 has seen him take his game to the next level. It wouldn’t be a controversial take to say he is currently the MVP of Bayern’s attack.
Musiala is currently the top scorer for Bayern in the Bundesliga with nine goals. He also has the most league assists for Rekordmeister this season. Along with showing a great deal of efficiency in the final third, Musiala has progressed well physically and technically on the pitch for Bayern. He ended the year with a special record in his age group. The most exciting aspect of Musiala’s 2022 is that he is just getting started in his career. Bigger and better are things waiting for him in 2023.
Dayot Upamecano
Dayot Upamecano had a mixed debut season for Bayern Munich, but it largely improved during Ruckrunde in 2022. The French defender is now completely settled in Munich and becoming a vital member of the starting XI under Julian Nagelsmann.
Upamecano has been the standout and consistent center-back for Bayern this season. He still has a scope for improvement, but there has been a steady improvement in his performances throughout 2022. The French international’s good passing range and ball-carrying ability allow Die Roten to play out from the back in an efficient manner. He has also matured as a leader for the club and country in 2022. The former Leipzig defender has firmly established himself as a key player for France and Bayern in 2022.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting
After spending most of the last two seasons as a backup striker at Bayern, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting has become a vital player in the starting XI during 2022. The Cameroon international had an average first half of 2022, but the second half of the year has been incredible for him. He did a fine job as a substitute during the second half of last season, providing a different dimension to the attack from the bench.
Choupo-Moting came into the starting XI at the start of October as Bayern struggled for cohesiveness and efficiency in the final third. He turned out to be the glue in the final third, making the team tick in and around the box. Choupo-Moting has scored 11 goals across all competitions for Die Roten. He is well on track to have a season with 20 goals for Bayern this season.
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The 33-year-old forward also found the back of the net in the World Cup for Cameroon. Bayern is eager to extend his contract, while Manchester United is showing interest in him, which shows his improvement as a player in 2022.