Bayern Munich: Ryan Gravenberch should build on performance against Koln
The start to Ruckrunde has been shaky for Bayern Munich. They have dropped four points across two games against RB Leipzig and FC Koln. Courtesy of draws in both games, Die Roten’s lead at the top of the points table has been reduced to three points.
The result and collective performance against FC Koln at Allianz Arena on Tuesday was concerning. Joshua Kimmich had to come up with an incredible long-range goal in the dying minutes to rescue a point for the home team. Die Roten needs to improve intensity and efficiency across the pitch to get back to winning ways.
Despite the result against FC Koln, everything was not doom and gloom for Die Roten on Tuesday. The biggest positive for Bayern was the performance of Ryan Gravenberch in the second half, as he provided more dynamism to the midfield department.
Nagelsmann brought Gravenberch on for Leon Goretzka at halftime. The Dutch midfielder was operating as a number eight, while Kimmich was sitting deeper in the holding midfield role. While talking to Sport1 after the game (via iMiaSanMia), sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic had special praise for Gravenberch.
"“Ryan played a very good game. Some of the boys brought in really good energy in the second half. If we had played like that from the start, we would have had a big chance of winning the game.”"
Ryan Gravenberch was very tidy on the ball, completing 94% of passes attempted during his stay on the pitch. The Dutch midfielder was also able to pin Koln in their half through his ball-carrying ability. He successfully dribbled through tight spaces, which provided a new dimension to Bayern’s attack. (Stats courtesy: FotMob)
The Dutch midfielder should look to build on the performance against FC Koln. He can get more playing time if he manages to keep this level of consistency in his performances. Considering the incredible ability he already possesses and his overall potential, it is not surprising to see Bayern having complete faith in him despite a slow start to the season.
The Bavarian club has no plans to loan him out in January since Ryan Gravenberch can play a crucial role in Ruckrunde. After a frustrating first half of the season, the Dutch international has started Ruckrunde on a very good note.
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Gravenberch will get the chance to shine from the start against Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday since Goretzka has been ruled out due to injury. The Dutch midfielder should try to make it two good performances in a week to get more game time in the coming weeks. Bayern will also look to get back to winning ways at Allianz Arena on Saturday.