With a relatively smaller squad, Vincent Kompany has managed to get the best possible results for Bayern Munich during the Hinrunde. The Belgian head coach has got the best out of all players available for selection. Die Roten are currently leading the Bundesliga table with a lead of nine points. They are also well placed in the DFB Pokal and the Champions League.
Kompany was reluctant to rotate heavily during his first season. However, he has been much more open to giving game time to squad players. His approach allowed Lennart Karl to get meaningful game time and eventually become the revelation for Bayern in Hinrunde.
Bayern will be blessed with more options in defense and attack with the returns of Jamal Musiala, Alphonso Davies, and Hiroki Ito from long-term injuries. Davies and Ito have already played in the last few games. Musiala will be available for selection at some point in January.
There will be more competition for places in the starting XI at Bayern during the second half of the season. While talking to TZ before the winter break (via iMiaSanMia), Josip Stanisic welcomed competition for game time, as it would help the squad achieve their objectives.
"Every player at Bayern Munich knows that competition for places is fierce. That's why everyone has to give their all when they play. No one can hold back – and that's exactly what will help us a lot when we have a full squad for the important matches and everyone is fully committed. Of course, everyone wants to play, but it's up to the coach to choose the best eleven."Josip Stanisic
The Croatian defender is spot on with his assessment of competition in the squad. For Bayern to be successful this season across all competitions, they will need all players in top form. Healthy competition will ensure players will push each other, which will eventually reflect in the team’s results.
Stanisic’s versatility will help him to get adequate game time
After an injury-riddled last season, Stanisic has gotten game time this season to show his quality. He has excelled in the left-back position. The Croatian can also play in the right-back or center-back position if needed.
Stanisic will compete with Alphonso Davies for the left-back role during Ruckrunde. Davies was flying under Kompany before suffering a serious knee injury in March. The Canadian is a cheat code in that left-back role due to his incredible pace and quality on the ball.
The Croatian defender may not be as rapid as Davies, but he is certainly on par with him when it comes to defensive positioning. Stanisic’s versatility is a big boon for him when it comes to getting game time. He is the type of player that every coach wants in the squad, giving 7/10 performances every week in different positions and providing tactical flexibility.