Bayern Munich: Benjamin Pavard may become mainstay in central defense
The matchday 30 of the Bundesliga was very productive for Bayern Munich. The Bavarian club moved back to the top of the points table with a 2-0 win against Hertha Berlin, while Borussia Dortmund dropped two points against Bochum. With four games remaining, the fate of the title race is in Bayern’s hands.
The performance of Bayern against Hertha will satisfy Thomas Tuchel as they excelled in all areas of the pitch. Bayern created multiple chances, which eventually led to two well-worked goals. The record Bundesliga champions also excelled defensively, giving away minimal chances to Hertha at Allianz Arena.
The center-back pairing of Benjamin Pavard and Matthijs de Ligt delivered a solid performance against Hertha. Pavard came into the starting lineup after Dayot Upamecano was ruled out due to a hamstring injury. Upamecano may have to fight for his place in the starting XI when he returns from injury since Pavard seems to be getting the internal backing to get a run of games in this position.
According to Bild, Benjamin Pavard is considered the more secure option in central defense at Bayern right now than Dayot Upamecano. Pavard may continue to play in central defense for the rest of the season after his solid performance against Hertha Berlin on matchday 30.
Pavard has previously admitted that he prefers playing in central defense. The French international has done well in the right-back position, but he feels that his best is seen in the heart of the back four.
The former Stuttgart defender had previously played in central defense when there was an injury crisis. The injury to Lucas Hernandez in December opened up more opportunities for Pavard in central defense as Julian Nagelsmann moved to a back three. The French international has made the most out of these chances to become a dependable player in this position.
Meanwhile, Upamecano endured a very difficult time in April. The French defender struggled in both games against Manchester City in the Champions League. His form in the Bundesliga has also dipped, so there is a good chance that he may start on the bench when he returns from a hamstring injury in the penultimate Bundesliga game of the season.
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Benjamin Pavard is expected to start for Bayern when they travel to Werder Bremen on Sunday. Die Roten is in the driving seat of the title race after the win against Hertha. Bayern needs to win all of their remaining four league games to retain the Bundesliga title.