Bayern Munich defenders lauded by Joshua Kimmich after clean sheet against Benfica

Bayern Munich have been entertaining fans this season by scoring loads of goals. The Bavarian club has been playing free-flowing football under Vincent Kompany, which has allowed forwards to be more productive. While the attacking style of football has been impressive, Bayern have looked vulnerable at the back when the teams sit deep and play on the counter.

Die Roten have conceded goals against teams adopting a conservative approach against them. However, the game against Benfica saw the best out of Die Roten’s defense. They defended well and ground out a 1-0 win to get their Champions League campaign back on track.

Jamal Musiala was on the scoresheet for Die Roten against Benfica, but the defenders deserve a lot of credit for keeping the visitors quiet for the entire game.

While talking to Kicker after the game against Benfica, Joshua Kimmich had nothing but praise for every defender that played on Wednesday. The German midfielder believes that defenders have significant work to do in the current system since Bayern want to squeeze the pitch by playing a high line.

"I've already said at the start of the season that it wasn't easy at all to defend that high with huge spaces behind them. Both center-backs make very smart decisions in their duels with the opposing players. That helps us a lot. I've always seen Min-jae as a monster in challenges, but he's also developed a lot with the ball. Phonzy is also always in a good position and offers them a passing option, which helps both center-backs in the build-up"

- Joshua Kimmich on Bayern's back four

Bayern’s back four need statement performance to highlight defensive improvement

While the performance against Benfica was encouraging, Bayern need a statement performance from a defensive point of view sooner rather than later. They have conceded goals in each of their big games in the Bundesliga and Champions League. Die Roten conceded four goals in Barcelona, while Frankfurt scored thrice in the Bundesliga clash a few weeks ago.

Kompany’s intense and attacking style of football came under scrutiny at the start of October. However, they have kept four clean sheets in a row since the drubbing against Barcelona in the Champions League. The team is more confident while defending, which bodes well for the rest of the season.

Apart from collective improvement, upturn in the form of Kim Min-jae, Alphonso Davies, and Dayot Upamecano is encouraging for Bayern. Raphaël Guerreiro and Konrad Laimer have filled in well in the right-back position, but a natural full-back on the right side will further improve Die Roten in the coming weeks.

Bayern have three big games after the international break. The Bavarian club will face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, while Borussia Dortmund will host them in the Bundesliga. Die Roten will also host Bayer Leverkusen at the start of December in the third round of DFB Pokal. If Bayern manage to keep clean sheets in these three games, they have turned a corner defensively against big teams.