Bayern Munich: Noussair Mazraoui set for a run in the starting XI
The debut season at Bayern Munich is often challenging for new signings. Few players manage to hit the ground running, while most of them need a period of adjustment to show their best qualities. Noussair Mazraoui features in the second list of players as he has endured a testing debut season in Bavaria.
The Moroccan defender was slowly integrated into the first XI by Julian Nagelsmann. Benjamin Pavard made a strong start to the season, so Mazraoui had to be patient for consistent playing time. He had to be content with chances from the bench in the first couple of months of the season.
Noussair Mazraoui improved as the season progressed and eventually got opportunities in the starting XI a few weeks before the World Cup 2022. The Moroccan defender made the most of these opportunities and nailed down the role of first-choice right-back in the team.
The former Ajax right-back shone for Morocco at the World Cup 2022. He was expected to continue his good form for Bayern in the second half of the season. However, an infection due to coronavirus kept Mazraoui out for two months. He had to start again from scratch as Bayern strengthened the right-back position in January by signing Joao Cancelo.
Mazraoui returned to first-team training in February. He is yet to get a start for Bayern since recovering from coronavirus. He publicly expressed frustration about lack of playing time after Bayern was knocked out of the Champions League against Manchester City.
The Moroccan defender finally got his opportunity to play when Alphonso Davies suffered an injury against Mainz last weekend. With the Canadian full-back and Dayot Upamecano ruled out for a few weeks, Noussair Mazraoui is expected to start all of Bayern’s remaining five league games.
While talking to the media on Friday, Thomas Tuchel insisted that players need to make an impact on the pitch to get more chances when he was quizzed about Mazraoui’s comments. The German coach will expect a reaction from Mazraoui on the pitch during the next five league games.
Next. Three things to watch out against Hertha Berlin. dark
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Noussair Mazraoui remains part of Bayern’s plans for next season, so he is not fighting for his future in Bavaria. However, he needs to deliver in the next five league games to give Tuchel a much-needed selection dilemma in the right-back position for next season. Bayern will look to reclaim the top spot in the Bundesliga when they host Hertha Berlin later today.