Bayern Munich: Which 7v7 team could win $1,000,000?
If you are like me, you have spent Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday watching aging American players, Futsal teams, and in some cases, a mixed group of players competing in The Soccer Tournament. Teams representing BVB, West Ham, Wrexham, and even the US Women’s National Team threw their hat into the ring to prove they are the best 7v7 team in the land.
If you are unsure, or a bit confused, of what tournament I’m speaking of, no it’s not the Champions League or Sevilla’s Europa. The Soccer Tournament (TST), is a winner takes all, 7v7 soccer tournament that took place over the last 4 days in Cary, North Carolina. With Newtown Pride FC taking home the $1 million top prize, it got me thinking, what team could Bayern Munich put together that would take home $1 million?
First, let’s quickly pinpoint a few key rules…2×20 MIN HALFS…NO OFFSIDES…NO THROW-INS (any ball going over the touchline is a kick-in)…NO SLIDE TACKLES…and EVERY GAME MUST END IN A GOAL (at the end of 40 mins, whichever team has the highest number of goals, a single goal is added to that total, and the first team to reach that number wins). With these rules in place, let’s get started selecting Bayern Munich’s best 7v7 side.
Goalkeeper- Manuel Neuer
This is probably the easiest selection to be made. Not only is he Bayern’s best goalkeeper, but with his large 6′ 4″ frame, he would make the smaller goals look like my daughter’s u6 goal. I wrestled with the shape Bayern Munich should play (3-2-1 or 2-3-1), before finally settling on the 2-3-1, mainly due to the fact that Neuer would provide you security on the ball which is so crucial in a 7 vs 7 game.
Center Back- Matthijs de Ligt
One thing that was evident in watching 7v7, was the need for a strong 1v1 defender. With most teams posting up against your defense looking for lay-offs and flicks, the need for a defender that can take on a big forward was a must-have. Give me de Ligt as he was Die Roten’s best 1v1 defender throughout the season.
Center Back- Benjamin Pavard
With de Ligt providing the strength, I look for Pavard to give me the ball-playing ability. His ability to get in the box and long-range volleys makes him the perfect pairing. Given the fact he has ample experience as a full-back as well, I expect Pavard to bomb forward with every opportunity.
Central Midfield- Joshua Kimmich
Could there be anyone else here? The absolute engine of the team. Kimmich would be asked to fill the role of the on-the-ball creator when in possession, picking passes that break the lines and showcasing his striking ability from the distance. Without the ball, he’s needed to fill in on the backline and allow the team to defend in a 1-3-3 shape.
Left Midfield- Jamal Musiala
His game is literally made for this tournament. So much of 7v7 is about 1v1 and creating space on the dribble. If you have watched any of Musiala’s games, you know he thrives in these settings. Creating isolation moments and allowing him to get on the ball and face up defenders is a cheat code in 7v7.
Right Midfield- Leroy Sane
I struggled a bit with this one. With the likes of Gnabry and Coman also providing options in the wider attacking areas, I decided to settle on Sane. His pace, and as mentioned with Musiala, 1v1 abilities win out here. I feel like a combination of Musiala and Sane in the wider areas makes any defense tremble when on the ball.
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Forward- Thomas Muller
I absolutely refuse to make the same mistake other Bayern Munich managers have made and not put Muller in my lineup. If you want to win championships, or in this case $1 million, you include the Raumdeuter (space interpreter) in your side. Remember the rules, NO OFFSIDES. Allowing Muller the opportunity to float around an opponent’s area and harass the opposition’s defense without being called for offsides?? You’d be crazy to not include him.
So there you have it. The best 7v7 team Bayern Munich has set up in a 2-3-1.
"-Neuer-Pavard de LigtSane Kimmich MusialaMuller"
Watching TST over the last four days brought me back to the pickup games at the park and the pure joy that the game of soccer brings. With the success of the first every TST 7v7 tournament, here’s to hoping this tournament becomes an annual event, and if the new Bayern Munich board would like, I’d happily manage the side next year…provided I get a share of that $1,000,000. Agree or Disagree? Comment and give us your best 7v7 squad!