To date, the current transfer window has been rather disappointing for Bayern Munich. In terms of senior additions, Bayern have so far brought in Luis Diaz from Liverpool, Jonathan Tah from Leverkusen, and Tom Bischof from Hoffenheim. The additions of Diaz and Tah represent upgrades at the left wing and center-back positions, whilst the 20-year-old Bischof is a fine addition to the midfield for both the present and the future.
However, following numerous departures over the summer, including the likes of Thomas Muller, Kingsley Coman, Leroy Sané and Eric Dier, amongst others, the reigning Bundesliga Champions are currently short on both depth and experience personnel.
With one matchday of the new season having been completed and the transfer window winding down, let us focus on Vincent Kompany’s preferred starting XI and supporting cast. We kick off this three-part series with a look at the goalkeeper and the defense.
Goalkeeper
In what is likely to be his final season as a professional footballer, Manuel Neuer is still Bayern’s number one option in goal. The veteran shot-stopper has started the season in superb form. He showed excellent reflexes in the 2-1 victory over Stuttgart in the Franz Beckenbauer Cup and followed up that performance with a clean sheet in a 6-0 drubbing of Leipzig in the Bundesliga’s opening game.
Neuer’s form over the last 12 months has been so good that there have been talks over a possible return to the German national team for him to take over from the injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Such a show of confidence in his early-season form will do Neuer no harm. However, only time will tell if, at 39 years of age, he is capable of maintaining his current form and avoiding injury over the course of the season. His injury woes over the last few seasons are no secret, but if he can stay fit he will remain Bayern’s number one option for the current season.
In Neuer’s absence, 22-year-old Jonas Urbig will be summoned into action. During the last season, when he got the chance, he acquitted himself quite well between the uprights. He’s deservedly worthy of consideration to be Neuer’s successor. The third option in goal is the ever-reliable 37-year-old veteran Sven Ulreich. Like Neuer, his current contract expires next June.