Bayern Munich: Top three performers in Der Klassiker
The Bundesliga campaign resumed on Saturday in the best possible way for Bayern Munich. Thomas Tuchel got off to a winning start to life in Bavaria as the defending champions clinched a convincing 4-2 win against Borussia Dortmund on matchday 26 of the Bundesliga.
The victory against Dortmund saw Bayern move back to the top of the points table. They currently have a lead of two points over Dortmund. It was not a complete performance from Bayern on Saturday, as they couldn’t keep a clean sheet. However, some players stood out on the pitch for Bayern, helping them to bounce back from the defeat against Bayer Leverkusen on matchday 25.
Thomas Muller
Thomas Muller endured a difficult start to 2023. The German forward struggled for form and lost his place in the starting XI. He started on the bench in the Champions League game against PSG in Paris and was substituted early away at Gladbach since Bayern went a man down early in the game. Muller needed a big performance to get his mojo back, and it came against Bayern’s arch-rivals Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.
The 33-year-old forward played in the number ten position against Dortmund. He was relentless with and without the ball throughout his stay on the pitch. Muller won 60% of his ground duels and made four recoveries on the pitch. The German international was in the right place in the box to score two crucial goals. The Bavarian faithful will hope Muller builds on this performance and go on a good run until the end of the season. (Stats courtesy: FotMob)
Kingsley Coman
Kingsley Coman has been one of the most consistent players for Bayern in the last 18 months. He enjoyed working under Julian Nagelsmann. The French forward’s decision-making in the final third has improved, and his work rate has been second to none on the pitch. Coman is likely to continue this good run of form under Thomas Tuchel as he delivered a very good performance against Dortmund.
Coman started on the left flank for Die Roten against Dortmund. He consistently took up promising positions in the final third and helped in stretching Dortmund’s defense. Coman was beating his man consistently, completing 63% of his dribbles. The French forward also worked well with Alphonso Davies at both ends of the pitch. Coman rounded up a very solid performance with a goal in the 50th minute to put the game past Dortmund.
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Leroy Sane
Tuchel was seen having long discussions with Leroy Sane in training this week. The German coach is reportedly keen on getting the best out of Sane. The former Manchester City winger had a good first half of the season, but his performances have dipped in Ruckrunde. Tuchel’s extra efforts worked like a treat, as Sane was impressive against Dortmund.
Sane started on the right flank, but he occupied central zones in the attack on several occasions. He was consistently creating problems for Dortmund with his runs and dribblings. His fierce shot from outside the box led to the third goal. The German forward also provided an assist for Coman’s goal in the second half. Sane lost possession cheaply on a few occasions, but it was still a much better display from him than what he has shown since the start of 2023