Bayern Munich continued their good run of form in the Bundesliga on Saturday as they cruised to a 4-0 win against Union Berlin at Allianz Arena. With seven league games to go, Bayern are nine points clear at the top of the league table.
Serge Gnabry was the man of the match for Bayern on Saturday. The German forward started on the left flank since Luis Diaz was suspended for the game. Gnabry grabbed this opportunity with both hands and scored two good goals to seal three points for the hosts.
The German winger was solid in all aspects of the forward play for Bayern on Saturday. He was tidy with the ball, completing 96% of the passes he attempted. Gnabry also created two chances for his teammate.
Courtesy of an action-packed performance from Gnabry against Union Berlin, Vincent Kompany had nothing but praise for the way he has stepped up this season. While talking to the media after the game (via iMiaSanMia), the Belgian coach admitted that Gnabry is an important player for Die Roten in the attack.
"Gnabry is just as good as our other attackers. Honestly I always like to talk about Serge positively, even more than the others. He was often injured and sidelined, and that might have hurt his consistency a little bit. But overall he's always performed for us this season, centrally, on the left and sometimes on the right. He's a very important player for us, on the pitch and in the dressing room."Vincent Kompany
Bayern midfielder Joshua Kimmich also gave high praise to Gnabry while talking to RanSport journalist Martin Volkmar. The German midfielder is relieved and happy that Die Roten have extended Gnabry’s contract.
Gnabry has silenced his critics this season
After enduring disappointment over the last two seasons due to injuries and form, Gnabry was expected to leave Bayern in the summer. The Bavarian club wouldn’t have stood in his way if he decided to pursue a new adventure. However, Gnabry decided to stay in Munich and fight for game time.
The serious ankle injury to Jamal Musiala during the Club World Cup allowed Gnabry to start in the number ten position at the start of the new season. The German international was not as spectacular as the other forwards, but he consistently delivered a 7/10 performance every week.
Gnabry has scored 10 goals across all competitions. The former Arsenal forward has also chipped in with 10 assists. Since Gnabry was able to deliver good performances across any position in the front four, Kompany enjoyed tactical flexibility in the attack. Gnabry’s experience also comes in handy for Bayern since he has already won every possible trophy with the club.
Considering his performances this season, it was a no-brainer for Bayern to offer Gnabry a new deal. With Bayern competing on all fronts, the German forward has a big role to play in the final phase of the season after the international break.
Stats courtesy- Fotmob